'Such a Shame': Eternals Star Kumail Nanjiani Criticises Indian Team Over Handshake Snub to Pakistan Players

Hollywood actor Kumail Nanjiani has criticised the Indian cricket team over a controversial moment from the Asia Cup 2025, where Indian players chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after a group-stage match.

Calling the incident "a shame", the actor said the episode reflected how political and emotional tensions have begun to overshadow the true spirit of sport.

Nanjiani Reflects on Changing Nature of India-Pakistan Matches

Kumail shared his views during a conversation with comedian and actor Hasan Minhaj on his YouTube channel. The discussion focused on the evolving dynamics between India and Pakistan, especially how cricket matches between the two nations have transformed into high-pressure spectacles beyond the game itself.

"I think what was cool about India-Pakistan matches, which isn't so true anymore - one, we were two of the best teams in the world, now Pakistan is not that great and India is the best team in the world. India-Pakistan matches are very tough for me... But also, the big thing about the India-Pakistan matches was that our countries did not get along but the people did. We are the same people, the same culture, the same language. So when we played cricket, you really felt the similarities rather than the differences and I feel like there was a brotherhood vibe to India-Pakistan matches," he said.

'It Was Not Hatred, There Was Real Respect'

When asked by Hasan Minhaj whether animosity existed between players during earlier encounters, Kumail rejected the idea, emphasising that mutual respect defined those contests.

"It was not hatred. There was real respect. Those players respected each other and were friends with each other. There would be heated whatever... But I remember watching these matches that yeah, we are all the same people. I never felt like those teams did not like each other. It is different now," he added.

'Such a Shame': Actor on Handshake Snub

Kumail then referred specifically to the Asia Cup clash held in September, where Indian players did not participate in the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan.

"India refused to shake hands with the Pakistan team and I find that to be such a shame because sport is the one time when we can actually put everything aside and play... Really respect each other that we are equal. And the lack of handshake really was very sad," he said.

What Happened After the Asia Cup Match

The incident occurred after India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Group A match of the Asia Cup 2025, successfully chasing a target of 128 with 25 balls remaining. Following the final ball, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube walked straight back to the dressing room.

According to reports, no Indian players emerged from the dugout to greet the Pakistani team, despite Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and his teammates waiting outside the Indian dressing room. The two captains also did not shake hands at the toss, where Pakistan opted to bat first, and reportedly avoided eye contact during the proceedings.