Colombo (Rajeev Sharma): Tensions flared off the field following the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally lodged a protest with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) over what it described as “unsporting conduct” by the Indian team.
The protest stems from Indian players’ refusal to engage in the customary post-match handshake after defeating Pakistan by seven wickets. The decision, as explained by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, was taken collectively as a tribute to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists and was reportedly carried out by Pakistan-backed militants.
India’s Stance: Tribute Over Tradition
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Suryakumar justified the team’s actions, stating that some situations extend beyond the realm of cricket.
“This wasn’t about the game. It was about standing in solidarity with those affected by the Pahalgam attack. Our silence and decision not to shake hands were deliberate. This win is dedicated to our armed forces and the families of the victims,” he said.
The Indian team’s choice to skip the customary post-game gesture was mirrored earlier at the toss, where Suryakumar avoided physical interaction with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha.
Pakistan Responds, Skips Ceremony
Reacting strongly, the PCB issued a statement late Sunday night, confirming that team manager Naveed Cheema had registered a formal complaint with the ACC. The board labeled India’s actions as “contrary to the spirit of cricket” and responded by not sending their captain to the presentation ceremony following the match.
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson expressed his disappointment with the incident. “We expected the usual handshake. Regardless of the result, it’s a basic element of sportsmanship. What happened was unfortunate,” he said.
Hesson confirmed that skipper Salman Ali Agha’s absence from the post-match proceedings was a direct response to the perceived snub.
Match Referee Involved at Toss
Interestingly, the PCB revealed that match referee Andy Pycroft had already instructed Pakistan’s captain not to initiate a handshake at the toss, possibly due to prior knowledge of the Indian team’s decision.
“The team management has formally raised concerns about the violation of cricketing norms and the undermining of sporting values,” the PCB added in its complaint.
Political Backdrop Overshadows Cricket
This was the first meeting between the two sides since the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor,’ targeting terror camps across the border. The off-field tensions cast a heavy shadow over the much-anticipated match, which saw India dominate with both bat and ball.
With the possibility of India and Pakistan meeting again in the tournament’s later stages, the controversy threatens to overshadow the cricket itself. The ACC has yet to comment on the PCB’s protest.
As of now, neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the ACC has issued an official response.
