The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has broken its silence over the controversy surrounding the post-match handshake between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2025.
The Controversy
The issue began after India’s win over Pakistan on September 14, when reports surfaced that players from both sides did not exchange handshakes, a customary practice in international cricket. The absence of the gesture quickly sparked debate, with some Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials hinting at bias and claiming that instructions were issued to avoid the ritual.
BCCI’s Clarification
A senior BCCI official dismissed the row, stressing that while handshakes reflect goodwill, they are not a mandatory rule.
“If there is no law that requires players to shake hands, it cannot be enforced. It is a matter of sporting spirit, not regulation,” the official said.
The official further emphasized that no directive had been passed by Indian authorities or match officials to skip the gesture.
ICC’s Position
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet issued a formal statement. However, sources close to the governing body suggest the matter is unlikely to escalate into disciplinary action, as handshakes fall under customary tradition rather than codified law.
Cricketing ties between India and Pakistan remain politically sensitive, with bilateral series suspended for over a decade. The Asia Cup often becomes the stage where sporting competition is seen through a larger political lens, making even minor incidents susceptible to controversy.
