Shoaib Akhtar Hits Out at India for Skipping Handshake with Pakistan Players

After India 7-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup match in Dubai, controversy erupted. Indian players Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off the field without participating in the traditional post-match handshake. Pakistan termed this move “unsporting” and “against the spirit of the game” and filed an official complaint.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticized the Indian team’s behavior, calling it disappointing and unsportsmanlike. He urged Indian players not to politicize cricket and emphasized that matches should promote grace and mutual respect. Akhtar supported Pakistan captain Salman Agha’s decision to skip the post-match ceremony.Akhtar stated that even enemies shake hands after matches and called on players to show maturity. He reminded fans that disagreements happen, even in families, but that shouldn’t escalate into disrespect on the field.

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According to him, gestures like handshakes define sportsmanship.Referring to the past, Akhtar recalled how Pakistan played in India even after the Kargil conflict. He pointed out that politics never interfered with cricket back then and advised both nations to separate sport from national disputes. He emphasized that cricket isn’t the place for political gestures.The incident quickly spread across social media, sparking debates on sportsmanship and political overtones in cricket. Some Indian fans defended the players, while others criticized their behavior.

Analysts feared such acts could harm cricket diplomacy and worsen bilateral sports relations.This was the first India-Pakistan clash since the Pahalgam terror attacks in April and India’s military response. The match carried emotional and political weight, which may have influenced on-field behavior. Experts now call for clear ICC guidelines to prevent similar controversies in future matches.

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