Why the Asia Cup Handshake Controversy Proves This Is Not a Friendly Series

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by

Himanshu
in

The Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai has become more than a cricket tournament. With tensions high and operations like “Operation Sindoor” dominating headlines at home, India-Pakistan encounters are being seen less as sporting contests and more as symbolic flashpoints. Against this backdrop, the so-called “handshake row” is not a trivial etiquette issue; it is a mirror of the mood on both sides.

This Is Not a Normal, Friendly Series

Traditionally, India-Pakistan cricket has been about fierce but respectful rivalry. But 2025 is not a normal year. There are ongoing security operations, large public protests, and calls for boycotts. In such an atmosphere, expecting the same warmth and ritualistic handshakes that one might see in a bilateral series with New Zealand or Sri Lanka is unrealistic.

Many Indian fans on social media express that they don’t want “business as usual” gestures with Pakistan right now. Whether or not one agrees, this is the public sentiment the teams are playing in front of.

Handshake Is a Tradition, Not a Rule

As noted before, the ICC’s Code of Conduct does not make post-match handshakes compulsory. It expects players to uphold the spirit of cricket but leaves gestures like handshakes to discretion.

AspectFact
ICC Code of ConductNo mandatory handshake rule.
Spirit of the GameEncourages respect, but form is discretionary.
Tournament ProtocolsOrganisers can encourage but not compel.

That means no team is obliged to physically shake hands with their opponents. They may choose to acknowledge them in other ways or skip it entirely.

Pakistan Should Stop Acting Like a “Schoolgoing Child”

Instead of turning a missed handshake into a full-blown protest, Pakistan’s cricket board could show maturity. Lodging formal complaints over a non-mandatory gesture appears petty and risks alienating neutral fans. In the current climate, it also feels tone-deaf to the realities of public sentiment in India.

True sportsmanship isn’t just about being greeted; it’s about accepting results, respecting context, and focusing on the game. Complaining over a handshake when there are far bigger issues at play undermines Pakistan’s image as a seasoned cricketing nation.

Public Sentiment Matters

With ongoing operations and heightened national feelings, gestures like handshakes are inevitably politicised. Indian players are representing not just themselves but also a public mood that is wary of normalisation. Whether one thinks that’s right or wrong, it’s a reality Pakistan must understand if it wants to avoid looking naïve.

Moving Forward: Cricket Should Remain About Cricket

If Pakistan truly wants to project itself as a mature sporting nation, it should:

  • Respect that handshakes are optional, not compulsory.
  • Avoid turning small issues into international protests.
  • Focus on its on-field performance rather than symbolic grievances.
  • Recognise the current public mood and respond with dignity.

Conclusion

The Asia Cup 2025 handshake controversy shows that this is not a friendly bilateral series but a high-stakes contest played under tense circumstances. Handshakes are optional, not mandated, and expecting normal niceties in abnormal times is unrealistic. Instead of playing the victim, Pakistan would do better to rise above minor slights and concentrate on cricket — the one thing that can actually win hearts.