Date: 14 September 2025 | Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium | Result: India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets
India vs Pakistan matches are always high-stakes, but this Asia Cup 2025 fixture in Dubai was defined less by cricket and more by a symbolic act. India’s seven-wicket win was overshadowed by the refusal of handshakes — a moment that has now sparked global debates on sportsmanship, politics, and symbolism in cricket.
When India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha walked out for the toss, fans anticipated the traditional handshake. Instead, SKY refrained from the gesture, leaving onlookers surprised and sparking immediate chatter.
After India’s comfortable chase, players skipped handshakes yet again. Pakistan’s squad, waiting in line, was left hanging as the Indian players walked straight towards their dugout. Pakistan’s coach was visibly upset and raised concerns with the match officials.
?No Handshakes ? Surya just walking away and they are waiting for Team India ?? chehra dekhne layak tha ? broo what a match loved it and the decision by Captain Surya and The whole Team that they are not choose to do handshakes with clown ???#INDvsPAK #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/iXT79W66bU
— Bagad Billa (@maitweethoon) September 14, 2025
No handshake by Indian team.
— Aman (@dharma_watch) September 14, 2025
Pakistan waited for handshake but India went to the dressing room and closed the doors.
What a humiliation by Indian team ?
Belt treatment for Porkis#INDvPAK #IndianCricket #INDvsPAK #indvspak2025 #AsiaCupT20 #AsiaCup #ShubmanGill #ViratKohli? pic.twitter.com/zXMXZEmiuP
The incident triggered a storm online, with divided opinions:
“Handshake skipped again. Symbolic and powerful. #INDvsPAK”
“This is cricket, not politics. Sportsmanship should prevail. #AsiaCup2025”
“Team India stood firm. Silence sometimes speaks louder than words.”
"We stand by the victims of the families of the Pahalgam attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces. Hope they continue to inspire us all. We hope to give them more reasons to smile." - Suryakumar Yadav#INDvsPAK #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/TF5iJcdpYZ
— Jeet (@JeetN25) September 14, 2025
The absence of handshakes is not unique to this match. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian athletes have repeatedly avoided shaking hands with Russian opponents. Such acts often symbolize silent protests, where sport becomes a stage for political messaging.
Handshakes in cricket are more than rituals — they represent mutual respect and closure. By refusing, the Indian side sent a message that stretched beyond cricket.
This gesture has now added a new layer to the fierce India-Pakistan rivalry. Experts believe it could influence future fixtures, pre-match rituals, and even official protocols from cricket boards.
Lost amid the drama was India’s dominant performance. Pakistan managed just 127/9 in 20 overs, struggling against India’s bowlers. In reply, India chased the target comfortably in 17.4 overs, with Suryakumar Yadav anchoring the innings and Shivam Dube sealing victory with a six.
The IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 match will be remembered not for runs and wickets but for what didn’t happen — the handshakes. This silent act of refusal has sparked debates, divided opinions, and ensured that cricket once again became more than just a game between two nations. Whether it is seen as justified or not, the controversy guarantees that this fixture will be talked about for years to come.
Final Score: Pakistan 127/9 (20 overs); India 128/3 (17.4 overs) — India won by 7 wickets.
Also Read: Boycott hone ke baad bhi IND vs PAK match kyun ho raha hai?
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