IND vs PAK: 'Shaking hands is just a tradition, not a rule', BCCI stands with the team on the handshake controversy; A befitting reply to Pakistan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally issued a statement on the 'handshake controversy' that happened after the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025. After India's seven-wicket win in the match against Pakistan, the Indian players did not shake hands with the Pakistani cricketers. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also did not greet Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was angered by this incident and lodged an official complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

'Handshake is only a goodwill gesture'

A senior BCCI official clearly said that shaking hands is only a tradition, not a rule. The official told news agency PTI, 'Look, if you read the rule book, there is no mention of shaking hands in it. It is just a goodwill gesture and is performed as a tradition all over the world under the spirit of sportsmanship.'

'If there is no rule, then there is no compulsion'

The BCCI official further said, 'If there is no rule about this, then the Indian team is not obliged to shake hands with the opposition team, especially when the relations between the two countries are tense.' The Indian players not shaking hands with the Pakistani players is now becoming a big controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also furious after losing to India and has demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, blaming him for not shaking hands. Indian captain Suryakumar had supported this stand of the team and dedicated the victory to the armed forces after the match, and showed solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack.

Will India's stand remain intact in the future?

According to news agency PTI, if India reaches the final on September 28, the players will not share the stage with Naqvi. Naqvi, being the ACC chief, can give the trophy to the winning team. Both teams talked to the other, even during the toss and warm-up. Both the captains handed over the team sheet to the match referee. It is also understood that the decision of not shaking hands is a policy and will be repeated if India faces Pakistan again in the Super 4 stage next Sunday.

PCB demands strict action

On the other hand, PCB is extremely upset with this incident. Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that he has lodged a complaint with the ICC against match referee Andy Pycott. Naqvi wrote on 'X', 'Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged a complaint regarding the violation of ICC Code of Conduct and MCC rules by the match referee and has demanded his immediate removal from the Asia Cup.'