The India-Pakistan handshake snub in the Asia Cup 2025 became the biggest talking point in cricket. At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the match ended with the Indian players’ handshake snub that shocked fans worldwide. Instead of focusing on the scorecard, the debate quickly shifted to cricket sportsmanship issues, political motives, and emotions on both sides.

The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry has always been about more than the game itself. With ongoing disputes, the incident highlighted the fragile state of cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan. Fans, analysts, and legends like Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, and Gautam Gambhir shared strong opinions that fueled the Asia Cup 2025 controversy further.

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Highlights

The ACC Men’s Asia T20 Cup clash was one of the most anticipated fixtures of the year. Fans packed the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for an electric night of cricket. The match lived up to expectations before the handshake drama stole the spotlight.

Scorecard Snapshot

Team	Score	Top Performer	Result
India cricket team	131/3	Suryakumar Yadav – 47 runs	Won by 7 wickets (25 balls left)
Pakistan cricket team	127/9	Sahibzada Farhan– 40 runs	Lost

Why Did Indian Players Skip Post-Match Handshake?

The post-match handshake tradition is seen as a symbol of respect in cricket. But this time, the Indian players’ handshake snub shocked fans and media alike.

Possible reasons include:

• Emotional reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack impact on sports.
• A silent protest linked to political tensions in cricket.
• Internal team decision influenced by Indian head coach and support staff.
• Pressure from public sentiment in India.

The absence of a handshake turned a thrilling match into one of the most debated cricket controversies 2025 (read more).

Rashid Latif Criticizes India’s Lack of Sportsmanship

Former captain Rashid Latif strongly condemned India’s action. He said:

“The ground is a battlefield for a few hours, but respect must remain after the match.”

Key points from his Rashid Latif criticism:

• Called it a violation of cricket sportsmanship issues.
• Said it disrespected the Pakistan cricket team and fans.
• Warned that such acts hurt the spirit of the ACC Men’s Asia T20 Cup.
• Linked it to earlier problems in cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan.

Shoaib Akhtar Calls Handshake Snub “Disheartening”

Legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar also criticized the act. His Shoaib Akhtar reaction highlighted the emotional impact of the incident.

Main takeaways:

• Described it as “disheartening” for fans across borders.
• Said cricket should not become hostage to political tensions in cricket.
• Stressed the need to respect the post-match handshake tradition.
• Reminded that the world sees cricket as a bridge, not a barrier.

Gautam Gambhir’s Role in Handshake Controversy

Indian media highlighted Gautam Gambhir during the drama. His Gautam Gambhir coaching strategy came under the scanner. Cameras showed him involved in heated discussions after the match.

Points of discussion:

• Critics believe Gambhir’s political role influenced the Indian players’ handshake snub.
• His aggressive approach contrasted with the usual calm post-match rituals.
• Supporters say he only stood for national sentiment.
• This added fuel to an already sensitive Asia Cup 2025 controversy.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Statement on Pahalgam Terror Attack

Star batsman Suryakumar Yadav explained the snub by pointing to the Pahalgam terror attack. His comments showed how sports and politics often collide.

His statement in short:

• Said the Pahalgam terror attack impact on sports made it impossible to act “normally.”
• Claimed the Indian players’ handshake snub was not disrespect but solidarity with victims.
• Indian fans supported his words, while Pakistani fans saw it as an excuse.

Political Tensions Overshadow India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry

The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been influenced by politics. This latest cricket controversy 2025 added to a long list of disputes that affect the game.

Key historical context:

• Multiple series canceled due to border disputes.
• Repeated boycott calls in cricket tournaments involving Pakistan.
• Political leaders using cricket as a diplomatic weapon.
• Ravi Shastri recently admitted that politics and cricket are now inseparable.

Table: Past Cricket-Politics Clashes

Year	Event	Impact
1999	Kargil War	India stopped tours to Pakistan
2008	Mumbai Attacks	Bilateral cricket ties suspended
2021	ICC T20 World Cup	Pakistan faced boycott calls in India
2025	Asia Cup 2025 controversy	Handshake snub sparked global debate

Fans React Strongly to Handshake Drama in Dubai

Reactions were instant and emotional. At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, some booed while others applauded. Online, the drama spread rapidly.

Social media trends reported by Telecom Asia Sport:

• Hashtags like #HandshakeSnub and #CricketControversy trended globally.
• Indian fans defended the decision, citing national pride.
• Pakistani fans viewed it as a deliberate insult.
• Memes, debates, and even calls for boycotts filled the platforms.

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Conclusion

The India-Pakistan handshake snub during the Asia Cup 2025 turned a thrilling night of cricket into a political storm. Both the Pakistan cricket team and India cricket team faced criticism for allowing off-field tensions to overshadow sportsmanship.

This event proves how fragile cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan remains. Until gestures like handshakes are respected, every game will risk being overshadowed by politics, not celebrated for cricket.