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In a recurring display of strained sporting relations, the cricket teams of India and Pakistan once again avoided the customary post-match handshakes. This latest incident followed India’s victory over Pakistan in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, maintaining a trend observed in recent encounters between the two nations.
The Latest Snub: Hong Kong Sixes 2025
The Hong Kong Sixes tournament saw India defeat Pakistan by a narrow margin of two runs, determined by the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method due to rain. As the match concluded, the broadcast immediately cut, showing no interaction between the players.
Both teams remained in their designated areas, a silent continuation of a protocol established in earlier high-stakes games. The absence of handshakes has become a notable, if unfortunate, feature of India-Pakistan cricket matches.
During the rain-affected encounter, India set a total of 86/4 in their six overs. Opener Robin Uthappa was a key contributor, smashing 28 runs off just 11 balls, including two fours and three sixes.
Pakistan’s chase began promisingly, reaching 41/1 in the third over before the heavens opened. With India ahead on DLS calculations, the Dinesh Karthik-led team was declared the winner.
The Genesis of the Controversy: Asia Cup 2025
The precedent for this post-match avoidance dates back to the Asia Cup 2025. This tournament unfolded amidst heightened political tensions following incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
During the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan clashed three times, with India emerging victorious in all encounters. It was after the first group stage match on September 14 that the controversy first truly ignited.
Political Tensions and the Initial Incident
Following India’s winning runs, batter Suryakumar Yadav reportedly returned to the dressing room almost immediately. When the Pakistan contingent later approached the Indian dressing room for traditional handshakes, they found the door closed.
This incident sparked significant diplomatic and cricketing repercussions. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged multiple complaints with the ICC, specifically questioning the conduct of match referee Andy Pycroft.
The PCB alleged that the Zimbabwean official had failed to uphold the true spirit of the game. The ICC subsequently took action, levying fines against Haris Rauf, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah for their roles in the Asia Cup incidents.
Beyond the Field: Implications for Cricket Diplomacy
The consistent avoidance of post-match handshakes has evolved into a firmly established trend between India and Pakistan. This reflects the complex and often strained sporting relations between the two cricket-loving nations.
Players from both sides now seem to adhere to a tacit protocol, mirroring the directives that emerged during the Asia Cup 2025. This practice has remained unchanged across various tournaments and formats, regardless of the match outcome.
Intriguingly, India has consistently prevailed in these recent encounters where the handshake protocol has been bypassed. The broader implications of this situation continue to ripple through cricket diplomacy, with international cricket authorities reportedly monitoring these developments closely.
Key Tournaments Featuring the Handshake Snub:
- Men’s Asia Cup 2025
- Women’s World Cup (unspecified year in raw text, but mentioned as part of pattern)
- Hong Kong Sixes tournament
Conclusion: A New Norm in India-Pakistan Cricket?
The trend of India and Pakistan cricket teams foregoing post-match handshakes has become a defining characteristic of their rivalry. What began as an incident rooted in political tensions has now seemingly solidified into a consistent practice, irrespective of the tournament or venue.
This ongoing situation underscores the delicate balance between sport and geopolitics, leaving many to wonder if this “new tradition” will continue to shape the narrative of India-Pakistan cricket for years to come.
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