Tensions flared after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A match at Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan filed an official complaint, alleging that the Indian team refused to participate in the customary post-match handshake.
Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged the protest with match referee Andy Pycroft, calling the move “against the spirit of sports.” The PCB said Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also skipped the post-match presentation in protest.
The controversy comes amid strained ties following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. The handshake row has now become the main talking point of the high-voltage clash.