(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Asia Cup 2025: Post-Match Controversy Between Pakistan and India Under Review
The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and India in Dubai has sparked a heated debate, not just for the cricket on display but also for events that unfolded after the match.
Post-Match Handshake Sparks Debate
Reports suggest that the traditional post-match handshake did not take place, leading to strong reactions from Pakistan’s camp. According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is now reviewing the matter for possible disciplinary action.
Pakistan’s team manager Naveed Akram Cheema has submitted a formal protest, calling the incident “a breach of sportsmanship.” He also claimed that the instruction to skip the handshake came from the match referee, which Pakistan considered unfair.
As a result, Pakistan has requested that referee Andy Pycroft be replaced for the remainder of the tournament.
Statements Add to the Controversy
Tensions escalated further when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the country’s armed forces. Pakistan viewed the remarks as unnecessary in a sporting context. In response, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha chose not to attend the customary post-match presentation, underlining the team’s disappointment.
ACC’s Response
The ACC has confirmed that it is closely reviewing all aspects of the incident. While no official sanctions have been announced, disciplinary fines or warnings appear to be the most likely outcome.
Cricket vs. Politics
The controversy has overshadowed what was expected to be one of the tournament’s most exciting fixtures and has reignited discussions about keeping politics separate from cricket.
With the possibility of another Pakistan vs. India clash in the Super Four stage or even the final, fans and analysts are keenly watching how the ACC manages the situation to ensure the focus remains on cricket.
