Archive · 15 Sep 2025
India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match Sparks Protest, Handshake Controversy
After a cricket match between India and Pakistan, some people were very upset.
Protests started in India, with one political group stopping the match from being shown at a hotel.
People were angry because of a recent attack and felt the match wasn't respectful to those who died.
The Indian team also didn't shake hands with the Pakistan team after the game.
Pakistan complained, saying the Indian team and a match official didn't follow the rules of the sport.
Some feel the match should not have been played because of the tragedy.
AAP-led protests and boycotts occurred, with a Delhi hotel stopping the match screening.
Indian team did not shake hands with Pakistani players after the match.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal protest regarding the handshake incident.
PCB also complained about the match referee, Andy Pycroft.
Father of a Pahalgam victim said the victory sends a clear message and the handshake snub was appropriate.
- Who
- Indian and Pakistani Cricket Teams, AAP, PCB, BCCI, Rajesh Narwal, Suryakumar Yadav, Salman Ali Agha, Match Referee Andy Pycroft
- What
- Controversy surrounding India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, including protests, the lack of a post-match handshake, and complaints lodged by Pakistan.
- When
- September 2025, during the Asia Cup.
- Where
- Dubai, UAE and Delhi, India.
- Why
- Opposition to the match due to the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, leading to protests and a boycott, also over the lack of handshake and the official's conduct.
Critics/AAP/PCB
BCCI/India Team
Match Conduct
Critics/AAP/PCB
The match was viewed as a lack of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, and the government's priorities, questioning their sense of nationalism and morality.
BCCI/India Team
No handshake; victory dedicated to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and armed forces.
Handshake
Critics/AAP/PCB
PCB considers the lack of handshake as unsportsmanlike and against the spirit of cricket.
BCCI/India Team
The Indian team’s decision not to shake hands was a collective one; they felt some things are beyond sportsmanship and were standing with the victims and armed forces.
- Event
- India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup Cricket Match
- Date
- September 14, 2025 (match played)
- Location
- Dubai, UAE
- Protests
- AAP-led boycotts, hotel halts screening
- Incident
- No handshake between teams after match
- Complaint
- PCB protest against Indian team and match officials
- Related Event
- Pahalgam Terrorist Attack in April
Sources
India vs Pakistan ‘mockery of Pahalgam martyrs’: AIMIM threatens to disrupt screenings of cricket match, ‘Shame on BJP’
AAP protests in Delhi, slams BJP over approval of India-Pak cricket match after Pahalgam attack
India vs Pakistan match: Congress, AAP workers stage protest, ask ‘what is the compulsion today to play’
Mumbai Police Issue Notice To Shiv Sena’s Anand Dubey After Viral TV-Smashing Protest Against India-Pakistan Match
Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena Warns Mumbai Venues Over India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match
India-Pakistan match is like rubbing salt on wounds, says widow of Pahalgam terror attack victim from Odisha
‘Operation Sindoor seems to be a waste now’: Netizens fume as govt allows India vs Pakistan Asian cup match
Opposition parties slam Govt over India-Pak match, call it insult to Pahalgam victims
Handshake row at Asia Cup 2025: Team Pakistan lodges formal protest against India, raises concerns on referee's conduct
'Message To Pakistan Was Clear Without Boycott': Pahalgam Victim's Father On India's Victory
Delhi hotel halts India-Pak Asia Cup match screening midway amid AAP protest
