Asia Cup: Did PCB File a Protest with ACC Over India's Handshake Snub?
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Synopsis
In a surprising twist during the Asia Cup, the PCB has lodged a formal complaint with the ACC after Indian players skipped the handshake, labeling it unsporting behavior. This incident has sparked a significant reaction from both teams, highlighting tensions beyond the cricket field. Explore the implications of this gesture on sportsmanship and relations between the teams.
Key Takeaways
- PCB filed a protest with the ACC over handshake refusal.
- Indian players' behavior deemed unsporting by PCB.
- Captain Salman Agha protested by skipping the interview.
- Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to armed forces.
- Match referee advised against the handshake.
Dubai, Sep 15 (NationPress) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially lodged a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after Indian players refused to extend their hands for a handshake following their Asia Cup match, labeling the act as unsporting.
This reaction from Pakistan followed the match where India triumphed by seven wickets in Dubai. After the victory, Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, returned to their dressing room without performing the traditional handshake with Pakistani players. This unexpected behavior left the Pakistan team astonished, prompting their captain Salman Agha to forgo a TV interview in protest.
“Team manager Naveed Cheema voiced a strong objection regarding the Indian players' refusal to shake hands, as it was deemed unsporting and contrary to the spirit of the game. As a form of protest, we chose not to send our captain to the post-match ceremony,” stated a PCB announcement.
In response, Suryakumar Yadav articulated a significant message, dedicating the victory to the armed forces who initiated Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that tragically claimed 26 lives on April 22, targeting the terrorists responsible for the heinous acts against Indian nationals.
“We made a collective decision. We were here solely for the game. We delivered our message. Some matters transcend sportsmanship. This victory is dedicated to our armed forces involved in ‘Operation Sindoor’ and stands in solidarity with the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack,” Yadav articulated post-match.
India maintained their stance throughout the match, with Suryakumar bypassing the handshake with Salman after the toss. However, PCB contended that the match referee had communicated to Salman prior to the toss regarding this matter.
“The match referee, Andy Pycroft, instructed captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss not to engage in a handshake with his Indian counterpart. The Pakistan team management has formally protested, deeming the conduct inconsistent with the spirit of sports,” PCB remarked in their statement.
Point of View
The incident between the PCB and ACC reflects ongoing tensions in cricket, where sportsmanship is often overshadowed by political undertones. While gestures of goodwill, like handshakes, are customary, we must recognize the complexities that arise from such moments. It is crucial for both teams to navigate these challenges with professionalism, prioritizing the spirit of cricket above all.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PCB file a protest with the ACC?
The PCB lodged a protest after Indian players declined to shake hands post-match, which they deemed unsporting.
What was the reaction from the Indian team?
Captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor and mentioned that some matters transcend sportsmanship.
