Some expressed displeasure, while others thought it was just a show… the cricket world was divided over the IND vs PAK no-handshake controversy.

Whenever the Indian and Pakistani cricket teams face each other on the field, the excitement level is at its peak. Players from both teams do not shake hands on the field, which is always a topic of discussion. Recently, former South African captain Temba Bavuma and England legends have expressed their frank opinions on this issue.

What did Temba Bavuma say about the India-Pakistan no-handshake controversy?

Temba Bavuma, who is commentating in the T20 World Cup, said in an interview with news agency PTI that what is being seen on the field is not good for the image of cricket. Bavuma believes that we have grown up watching a gentleman's game, where a certain behavior is expected. He also admitted that he does not fully understand the political tension between India and Pakistan, but as a spectator, not shaking hands is against the spirit of the game.

Why do Indian players not shake hands with Pakistani players?

The whole issue heated up when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha during the Asia Cup. Surya later clarified that it was a way to show solidarity with the 26 innocent people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

What did former England captains say about this?

Regarding the India-Pakistan no-handshake controversy, former English captain Michael Vaughan called it sad and said that not shaking hands hurts the spirit of the game.

Alastair Cook, along with him, believes it may have been just a gesture for the cameras, as behind the scenes, players still interact with each other with decency.