ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi Criticises India Over Pakistan Handshake Snub: ‘Cricket not for politics’

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sharply criticised Team India for refusing to shake hands with Pakistan before and after their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai. Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter), describing the gesture as a breach of sportsmanship.

"Utterly disappointed by the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let's hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace," Naqvi wrote.

India, captained by stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav, defeated Pakistan by seven wickets after chasing down a modest 128-run target in just 15.5 overs. However, the post-match discussion was dominated by controversy rather than cricket.

The build-up to the match had already been tense following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indian tourists were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists. At the toss, Suryakumar did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. The matter escalated after the Indian players declined to meet Pakistan's cricketers post-match, even as they waited outside the dressing room for traditional handshakes.

In the press conference, Suryakumar defended the decision, explaining that the team's actions were motivated by solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam attack. "I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We stand with their families and express our solidarity. This win is dedicated to our brave armed forces who carried out Operation Sindoor," he said.

The refusal was seen as both a protest and a message of unity with Indian security personnel. Still, Suryakumar faced criticism online after videos resurfaced showing him shaking hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi at the pre-tournament captains' press conference during the Asia Cup 2025 trophy unveiling.

Despite the off-field drama, India delivered a clinical performance. Kuldeep Yadav dismantled Pakistan's batting line-up with his left-arm wrist spin, earning Player of the Match honours. Suryakumar himself scored an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls, guiding India to a smooth win.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's response was equally intense. Captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation, fuelling speculation about his frustration over both the defeat and the handshake controversy.

In India, public opinion remained divided. Several groups had demanded a boycott of the fixture altogether, citing the Pahalgam attack as grounds to cut cricketing ties. However, the BCCI went ahead with the game after consultations with the government and security officials.