Time is short, Pakistan cricket team still missing from Dubai Stadium for a crucial match against UAE
In a surprising turn of events at the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following their rivalry clash on Sunday. The Indian skipper explained that the team stands in solidarity with the victims and families of the Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir.
The refusal to shake hands sparked controversy, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressing their disappointment and lodging a complaint against ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC laws relating to the spirit of cricket. The PCB also demanded Pycroft's removal, a request that has been met with resistance by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan's white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, expressed his disappointment about India's decision, stating that the match ended in a disappointing manner due to the lack of handshake. Hesson also revealed that the Pakistan team was willing to shake hands at the end of the match, but it did not happen.
The controversy seems to have affected the Pakistani team's preparations for their must-win final group stage clash against UAE, as they were reported to have not arrived at Dubai International Stadium before the match. Hesson did not directly attribute the absence of Salman Agha, a key player, to the incident, but alluded to it indirectly.
Pakistan expressed their displeasure by pulling out of the post-match presentation. The Pakistan team also cancelled their pre-match press conference on Tuesday. The ICC, however, has stated that they will not entertain Pakistan's request to remove Pycroft.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In 2022, during the Asia Cup, no specific person from the tournament was reported to have decided to avoid handshaking with the Indian team. The refusal to shake hands was notably reported in 2025, where Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, distanced themselves from Pakistan players due to political tensions following a militant attack in Kashmir earlier that year.
As the Asia Cup 2025 continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect the relationship between the two rival teams.
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