Asia Cup 2025: 'We Were Ready to Shake Hands…' – Pakistan coach reacts as India refuse handshake in IND vs PAK match 6

India put on a clinical performance against Pakistan in Match No. 6 of the Asia Cup 2025, winning by seven wickets. The much-anticipated clash took place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14, and saw the Men in Blue demonstrating complete control by outclassing their archrivals in all departments.

But what followed the match got more attention than the actual match. The Indian team defied convention and refused to take part in the usual post-match handshake with the opposition as well as the officials. The players took a more direct route on the field and went straight into the dressing room lockers, going as far as to close the doors. This demonstration was interpreted to show opposition to the nation still mourning the Pahalgam terror attacks earlier this year.

The absence of smiles or camaraderie cast a cold shadow over the high-voltage encounter. Even at the post-match presentation, the tension was visible. While Player of the Match Kuldeep Yadav and skipper Suryakumar Yadav represented India, Pakistan captain Agha Salman was conspicuously missing from the ceremony.

Agha Salman’s Absence and Hesson’s Disappointment

Reports suggested that the India's are refusal to shake hands annoyed the Pakistan camp. Sources indicated Agha Salman decided to not attend the presentation altogether due to the cold reception from the Indian side.

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Confirming the sentiment, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson said, “We were ready to shake hands, disappointed opposition didn’t do that.” In the end, while India celebrated their qualification for the Super Four, it was the silence and lack of sportsmanship gestures that became the talking point, further underlining the depth of the rivalry.