The controversy over the no-handshake incident between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025 refused to die down even days after the match. Pakistan had threatened to boycott its crucial game against the UAE on Wednesday in Dubai, claiming injustice and biased treatment from match officials. However, the team finally turned up after receiving an “apology” from match referee Andy Pycroft.

When the controversy was fresh, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi during an interview with Samaa TV questioned why India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, who had previously shaken hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the pre-tournament group press conference, refused to do the same at the toss during the high-stakes clash.

“The same Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi at the captains’ 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 said.

Afridi further added, “When the Asia Cup began, social media was filled with 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.”

Video from the presser

In a video clip from the captain’s official presser, the Indian skipper can be seen shaking hands with Salman Agha while getting off the stage. Several social media posts also showed a picture of Yadav shaking hands with Moshin Naqvi. Financialexpress.com could not independently verify the authenticity of the image.

Pycroft apologises to Pakistan

The incident at the toss, where Yadav declined the handshake citing solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, drew heavy criticism from both sides. Pakistan had filed two complaints with the ICC seeking the removal of Pycroft, but both were rejected. The deadlock was broken only after Pycroft issued an apology for “miscommunication” to the Pakistani team.

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While Pakistan eventually ended its boycott threat and participated in the UAE match, tensions remain palpable. The PCB has also announced that the ICC would investigate its complaint against Pycroft’s conduct.