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Former captain Rashid Latif has strongly criticised Team India after they refused to shake hands with Pakistan players after the Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, calling the act “unsportsmanlike.”
Chasing 128, India sealed the contest in the 16th over as skipper Suryakumar Yadav cleared the ropes for the winning runs.
Instead of the customary post-match handshake, Yadav and Shivam Dube exchanged fist bumps and walked straight to the dressing room, leaving Pakistan players waiting.
Reacting to the gesture, Latif took to X (formerly Twitter) and lashed out at the Indian team.
“Yes, you are India cricket, yes, you are the best team in the world… but not to shake hands at the end of the game shows your real colours! Pakistan players were waiting, but Indian players went straight into the dressing room! Where is ICC?” Latif wrote.
The incident also drew an official response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged a formal protest, terming India’s behaviour “inappropriate.”
“Indian players’ refusal to shake hands is against sportsmanship,” Cheema said in a PCB statement.
Cheema further questioned match referee Andy Pycroft’s call to prevent captains from shaking hands at the toss, arguing it went against the spirit of cricket.
In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to skip the post-match presentation ceremony, where skippers traditionally reflect on the game.
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