India May Face Punishment After Asia Cup Clash With Pakistan

The Asia Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and India in Dubai ended with controversy both on and off the field.

Handshake Snub Creates Tension

The game began on a cold note as both captains skipped greetings before the toss. Things turned worse after the match when Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is now considering disciplinary action against India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team.

Pakistan Lodges Formal Protest

Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, called the refusal “a violation of sportsmanship.” He confirmed that the match referee himself instructed both captains not to shake hands before the toss, a decision Pakistan described as unfair.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also pushing for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the rest of the tournament.

Political Statements Add Fuel

The controversy grew further when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to his country’s armed forces. This move was criticized for mixing politics with sports, something the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations clearly discourage.

In response, Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation, sending a strong message of protest.

ACC Reviewing Case

The ACC has confirmed that it is reviewing the entire incident. While the final verdict is pending, fines and disciplinary action against India appear most likely.

Cricket or Politics?

This controversy has overshadowed what was expected to be a thrilling Asia Cup clash. With the possibility of another Pakistan-India encounter in the Super Four or the final, all eyes are on how the ACC ensures cricket stays separate from politics.