DUBAI (Web News) – Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has expressed disappointment over India’s refusal to shake hands after the highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 Group A match between the arch-rivals.
India secured a seven-wicket victory in what was the first cricket encounter between the two nations since their four-day military standoff in May. While the game itself passed without incident, the post-match atmosphere turned tense when Indian players avoided the customary handshake.
“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game, but our opposition didn’t do that,” Hesson told reporters. “We went over to shake hands and they had already walked into the changing room. It was a disappointing way for the match to end.”
Hesson added that Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s absence from the presentation ceremony was a “follow-on effect” of India’s decision.
At the ceremony, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces and expressed solidarity with victims of the April 22 Kashmir attack. Speaking in the post-match press conference, he confirmed that the refusal to shake hands was a collective decision aligned with the Indian cricket board and government.
“We took a call on not shaking hands. We came here to play the game, and we have given a proper reply,” said Suryakumar.
Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been suspended since 2013, with both teams only facing each other in multinational tournaments. Despite political tensions, India and Pakistan could still meet again twice in the Asia Cup, including in the September 28 final.
