India-Pakistan Cricket Match Marred by Political Tensions and Lack of Sportsmanship

Pakistan has expressed disappointment with India's lack of sportsmanship following their Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai. The Indian team declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts before or after the game. This occurred amidst heightened tensions between the two nations.

The match itself was played before a smaller-than-usual crowd, partly due to calls for a boycott in India. The political climate was evident on the field, as the captains did not shake hands at the coin toss. After India's victory, the Indian batsmen left the field without waiting to shake hands with the Pakistani fielders.

Pakistan's cricket board later stated that the match referee had instructed the captains to skip the pre-match handshake. The board also mentioned that a formal complaint had been filed against the referee. The referee has yet to respond to the complaint.

The low attendance reflected the ongoing tensions stemming from a recent military conflict. India had conducted airstrikes across the border following a terror attack in Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. Pakistan denied the accusations and called for an independent investigation. The subsequent Indian airstrikes were met with Pakistani retaliation, bringing the two nuclear-armed neighbors close to war.

The game was won by India, but their players' refusal to shake hands with the Pakistan team drew criticism. In cricket, it is customary for players to shake hands after innings and after the match. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims of the Kashmir terror attack and the armed forces.

The Indian team's actions were widely criticized for allowing politics to overshadow the sporting event. Pakistan's coach expressed disappointment at the missed gesture of sportsmanship. The chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board called the lack of sportsmanship disappointing. The Pakistani captain did not participate in the post-match presentation.

Prior to the match, there were calls for a boycott in India, with protests organized by various political parties. A senior member of the opposition Congress party criticized the Indian government for proceeding with the match, alleging that it prioritized profit over compassion.