In India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, the handshake controversy grabbed significant attention. Following this, former India captain
Kapil Dev slammed Pakistan’s team and board for creating unnecessary drama, urging them to focus on cricket instead of politicising a minor incident.
The controversy started on September 14 in Dubai, when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off the field without engaging in the customary post-match handshake with the Pakistani players. Suryakumar dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces and paid tribute to the Pahalgam terror attack victims.
Pakistan reacted as captain Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused match referee Andy Pycroft of creating confusion by allegedly instructing captains not to shake hands at the toss.
The PCB escalated the matter to the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal and even threatening to pull out of the tournament. The ICC dismissed both appeals, which led to Pakistan delaying their next game against the UAE by keeping players confined to their hotel until clearing participation. Dev expressed frustration over the controversy, calling it an unnecessary distraction.
“There are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial. Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one's personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug,” he said as quoted by NDTV.
Hopeful that Team India will win Asia Cup: Kapil Dev
The 1983 World Cup-winning skipper stressed that handshakes are a courtesy, not a law of the game, and criticized Pakistan for dragging the issue. He reminded both teams that cricket should take precedence over theatrics.
"The Indian team has been playing very well for the past 20 years. The team performs exceptionally well in ICC tournaments. Our cricket is very organised...I am hopeful that Team India will win the Asia Cup 2025," he added.
