‘Even with enemies, I’d shake hands,’ says Shoaib Akhtar after Pak-India handshake snub

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised the absence of post-match handshakes between Pakistan and India players after their Asia Cup 2025 clash, urging both sides to uphold the spirit of cricket.

Speaking on a local sports platform, Akhtar said while Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to avoid the ceremony was understandable, the overall incident reflected poorly on sportsmanship.

“At the end of the day, it’s just a game of cricket. Even with my enemies, I would still go and shake hands,” Akhtar remarked, adding that politicising cricket damages the image of the sport.

Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson also confirmed that his players were willing to observe the handshake but said the Indian squad left for the dressing room immediately after sealing victory by seven wickets. “It was a disappointing way for the game to end. We were keen to engage, but that didn’t happen,” he told reporters.

The incident drew further attention after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), alleging that match referee Andy Pycroft had instructed both captains to skip the pre-match handshake. The PCB said the move violated the spirit of the game and demanded Pycroft’s removal from the tournament.

PCB Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi also expressed concern, calling the development “a violation of MCC laws.” Tournament Director Andrew Russell initially stated the instructions came from the Indian cricket board but later clarified they were directed by the Indian government, according to PCB officials.

The controversy overshadowed India’s dominant win, as Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube guided their side to chase down Pakistan’s 128-run target in just 16 overs.