India Skips Handshake With Pakistan After Asia Cup Match

Summary: India declined the customary handshake with Pakistan over the Pahalgam tragedy, following their Asia Cup win.

The dispute over India's Asia Cup match against Pakistan erupted more off the field than on it. It received a lot of attention when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his squad eschewed the customary post-match handshake following a commanding seven-wicket victory.

The gesture, or lack of it, came just days after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which left the Indian side shaken and emotional. Yadav later dedicated the win to the victims and India’s armed forces, saying the team wanted to show solidarity visibly.

Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, noting that sportsmanship should rise above political strain. Even the Asian Cricket Council received an official complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board. 

There were differing views on social media, with some former players arguing that cricket should continue to be a bridge rather than a battleground, and others believing that India's stance was reasonable given the prevailing national sentiment.