Shoaib Akhtar Reacts To India’s No-Handshake Act After Asia Cup Clash, Calls It ‘Disheartening’
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar expressed disappointment after Indian players walked off without the customary handshake following their Asia Cup 2025 victory over Pakistan in Dubai. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, chased down Pakistan’s modest 128-run target in just 15.5 overs, sealing a dominant seven-wicket win.
While Pakistan’s players lined up for the post-match handshake, the Indian squad headed straight to the dressing room, leaving their opponents waiting.
Reacting to the incident, Akhtar called the gesture “heartbreaking” and urged India not to politicise cricket. “I’m speechless. Don’t make this political. Hum ne acchi statement di hai aapke liye, hum bohot kuch bol sakte hain. Ladayi-jhagre hoti rehti hain, lekin cricket mein grace dikhani chahiye,” he said in a video that quickly went viral.
Shoaib Akhtar crying on Handshake Saga..
Same guy was seen with Asim Munir few months back along with Shahid Afridi..
Well done Suryakumar Yadav bhut badhiya kiya hai chot gehri lagi hai jaise Nur Khan Air Base ko lagi hai.#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/JEDuaN21C6
— AT10 (@Loyalsachfan10) September 14, 2025
Reports suggest the move came on the advice of India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who instructed players to avoid any post-match interactions with their arch-rivals.
India’s dominant win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 carried an emotional weight beyond cricket, as head coach Gautam Gambhir dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and praised the Indian Armed Forces for their successful Operation Sindoor.
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Speaking after the match, Gambhir underlined that the contest was more than just about points on the board. “This was an important win, but our thoughts are with the victims and families of the Pahalgam attack. We also salute the Indian Army for their success in Operation Sindoor,” he told broadcasters.
The gesture resonated strongly, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav echoing the sentiment during the post-match presentation. “This victory belongs to our brave soldiers and the families affected. We draw strength from them,” he said.
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Opting to bat first, Pakistan faltered against India’s disciplined bowling and could only manage 127/9 in 20 overs. Kuldeep Yadav starred with figures of 3/18, supported by Axar Patel (2/18) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/28). Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo (33 off 16) gave Pakistan a small boost, but it wasn’t enough.
In reply, India lost early wickets, but Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 31 off 13 balls set the tone. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav (47 off 37) and Tilak Varma (31 off 31) steadied the innings before guiding the chase home with 25 balls to spare.
