Naqvi Calls Out Lack of Sportsmanship
Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), didn’t hold back after India’s big win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup. In a sharp post on X, he slammed the Indian team for skipping the usual handshakes before and after the match. “Utterly disappointed by the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports,” Naqvi wrote. He hoped future wins would bring more grace from all sides.
The tense Group A clash happened in Dubai on September 15, 2025. India, led by stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, chased down Pakistan’s 128-run total in just 15.5 overs for a seven-wicket victory. But off the field, things got heated. Yadav skipped shaking hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha after the toss. After the game, the Indian players stayed in their dressing room, leaving the Pakistan team waiting outside.
Also Read: US Open 2025: Sabalenka Retains Title in Thrilling Final
India’s Win and Gesture of Solidarity
On the pitch, India shone bright. Kuldeep Yadav wrecked Pakistan’s batting with his spin, taking key wickets and earning Player of the Match. Suryakumar stayed cool with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls to guide the chase. But the no-handshake move was a clear protest. It tied back to a deadly terror attack in India’s Pahalgam region days earlier, where 26 tourists lost their lives. Officials blamed Pakistan-based militants.
In the press conference, Suryakumar explained the team’s stance. “Some things in life come before sportsmanship,” he said plainly. “We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families. This win is for our brave armed forces in Operation Sindoor.” The team felt the emotional weight of the tragedy, which shaped their actions.
Social media buzzed with mixed views. Some praised India’s stand as a bold show of unity, while others recalled Suryakumar shaking hands with Agha and Naqvi at the pre-tournament event. Pakistan’s captain Agha skipped the post-match ceremony, adding to the drama.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan Crushes Hong Kong by 94 Runs in Opening Clash
Bigger Picture in Tense Rivalry
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) went ahead with the game after talks with security experts, despite calls from some fans to boycott it. This India-Pakistan matchup always stirs passion, but the recent attack made it extra raw. Naqvi’s words highlight the tricky mix of cricket and politics in South Asia.
As the Asia Cup rolls on, all eyes are on how teams handle such moments. India’s clinical play keeps them top of Group A, but the off-field snub has sparked debates on keeping sports pure.
