Afridi Slams India For Handshake Snub in Asia Cup 2025
Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the Indian team for skipping the traditional handshakes after their seven-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A match at Dubai International Stadium. The incident quickly intensified tensions between the two sides.
The controversy erupted when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his players walked off without exchanging post-match greetings with Pakistan. Their decision upset Pakistan coach Mike Hesson, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hinted at a possible withdrawal from the tournament over the presence of match referee Andy Pycroft.
Afridi’s Scathing Reaction
Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi linked the move to political and social pressure. “When the Asia Cup began, social media was filled with the boycott campaigns ahead of the match between India and Pakistan. Considering there was pressure, it is no surprise that the players and the BCCI were told not to shake hands with our team,” he said.
He further questioned India’s sportsmanship. “In my opinion, there was no sportsman spirit. They would once again be shamed in front of the world. I think our stance was bang on. Our PCB chairman has taken the right stand. Overall, it’s outstanding,” Afridi stated.
The former captain added that Indian cricketers were only following orders. “I have always said that players should be great ambassadors and not an embarrassment. I don’t want to fault the Indian cricketers; they were given orders from up above,” Afridi explained.
PCB vs ICC Over Pycroft
The PCB demanded that the ICC remove Andy Pycroft as match referee for the remainder of the Asia Cup. Although their protest was dismissed, Pycroft has been excluded from officiating Pakistan’s next fixture against the UAE.
Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the nation’s armed forces and paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“Embarrassment in Front of the World”
Afridi also recalled how Suryakumar had earlier shaken hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and ACC head Mohsin Naqvi before the tournament began. “The same Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi at the captain’s press conference. Now in front of the crowd, the government was not able to handle the social media pressure. Indian players have now become an embarrassment in front of the world,” Afridi concluded.
The handshake controversy has added more fuel to the already fiery India-Pakistan rivalry, overshadowing what was otherwise a dominant performance by India in the Asia Cup 2025.
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