Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Cricket Diplomacy Strains as India and Pakistan Refuse Handshakes
Kumail Nanjiani, a famous actor, and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi have spoken about the Indian cricket team's decision not to shake hands with the Pakistani team in recent tournaments like the 2025 Asia Cup, Women's World Cup, and U-19 Asia Cup.
Nanjiani feels sad because he thinks sports should be about respect and putting differences aside.
He remembers that in the past, Indian and Pakistani players used to respect each other even though their countries had problems.
Naqvi says Pakistan doesn't want to shake hands either and believes cricket and politics should be separate.
The Indian team's behavior has been criticized by former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmad, who thinks it's not good for the game.
The ICC has also asked India to think about changing this policy.
India has refused to shake hands with Pakistan in recent tournaments, including the 2025 Asia Cup, Women's World Cup, and U-19 Asia Cup.
Kumail Nanjiani criticized India's no-handshake policy, expressing sadness over the lack of sportsmanship.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan has no desire to shake hands with India either, emphasizing equal footing.
Sarfaraz Ahmad criticized the Indian team's behavior, calling it unethical and disrespectful to the game.
The ICC urged the BCCI to reconsider the no-handshake policy to keep politics out of cricket.
- Who
- Indian and Pakistani cricket teams, Kumail Nanjiani, Mohsin Naqvi, Sarfaraz Ahmad
- What
- Refusal to shake hands between Indian and Pakistani cricket teams in recent tournaments
- When
- During the 2025 Asia Cup, Women's World Cup, and U-19 Asia Cup
- Where
- Various cricket tournament venues
- Why
- Political tensions and a desire to maintain equal footing and respect for the game
India's Stance
Pakistan's Stance
Handshake Policy
India's Stance
India has refused to shake hands with Pakistan in recent tournaments, including the 2025 Asia Cup, Women's World Cup, and U-19 Asia Cup.
Pakistan's Stance
Pakistan has no desire to shake hands with India either, as stated by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Separation of Politics and Cricket
India's Stance
India's policy is seen as a response to political tensions, particularly after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Pakistan's Stance
Pakistan believes cricket and politics should be separate, and this stance is supported by their Prime Minister.
- Event
- 2025 Asia Cup, Women's World Cup, U-19 Asia Cup
- Teams Involved
- India and Pakistan
- Matches Played
- 3 (all won by India in the 2025 Asia Cup)
- Critics
- Kumail Nanjiani, Sarfaraz Ahmad
- Platform
- Hasan Minhaj's YouTube channel, Press Conference
- ICC's Stance
- Urged BCCI to reconsider the no-handshake policy
- PCB Chief
- Mohsin Naqvi
- Prime Minister's Advice
- Keep politics out of cricket
Sources
India refusing handshake with Pakistan in Asia Cup was 'sad', says Kumail Nanjiani: 'Such a shame'
Year-Ender 2025: From Handshake Snubs To Trophy Drama; Check Out Top Moments Of India vs Pakistan Controversies
'Pakistan have no desire either…'—Mohsin Naqvi responds to India, BCCI's no-handshake policy
Moshin Naqvi on handshake row: ‘We shouldn’t let politics come into all of this…If they don’t want to shake hands, then we have no particular desire to do so either’
All future interactions with India will be on equal terms: PCB chief
