Shoaib Akhtar expresses the disappointment of the Hands without Hands of India after the Conflict of the Asian Cup 2025 with Pakistan
Asia Cup 2025 confront India And Pakistan Concluded with more than just a cricket victory, as India’s decision to avoid traditional post-match handles sparked a significant controversy that overshadowed their triumph commanding seven counters in Dubai.
India’s dominant victory has spoiled diplomatic tensions against Pakistan
India has delivered clinical performance against their arc rivals, successfully chasing Pakistan’s modest total of 127 points in just 15.5 overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav front duct with an undefeated 47 of 37 bullets, while Spinner Kuldeep Yadav Demount from the range of Pakistan strikers with impressive 3/18 figures. However, the consequences of the match have become the main subject of discussion when the Indian players, led by Yadav, went directly to their locker room without engaging in the usual handshake with Pakistani players.
The controversy has deepened when the Pakistani players, including the captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hessonapproached the Indian locker room while waiting for the traditional gesture of the sporting spirit, only to find the doors firmly closed on their faces. This unprecedented decision has prompted Pakistan Cricket Board to file an official protest with the Asian cricket councilcalling for the actions of India as “Against the spirit of sport“.
The emotional response of Shoaib Akhtar to the firm gesture of India
Shapes Pakistan’s closed bowler Shoaib Akhtar Expressed a deep disappointment concerning the decision of India, offering an emotional declaration which resonated through the Cricket community. Speaking in a Pakistani television program, Akhtar seemed visibly moved by addressing the controversy: “I am speechless. It’s discouraging to see and I don’t know what to say. Hats off to India. Does not make things political. Hain Isko Political Mat Banao cricket match. Hmm do not accho declaration di hai aapkee liye“.
The legendary stimulator, known for his fierce rivalry on the ground with Indian strikers during his player career, urged the two nations to separate the policy from the cricket. “”Hmm Bohut Kuchh Bol Sakte Hai. HOTI REHTE HAIN LADAYI JHAGRE, GHAR Me BHI HO JAATI HAIN. Forget it, move on. It’s the cricket game, he shakes hands, show your grace,“Akhtar continued, emphasizing the unifying spirit of the cricket on political differences. Interestingly, Akhtar also supported the decision of the captain of Pakistan Agha to boycott the post-match presentation ceremony as a form of protest, declaring “Thik Kiya Salman Ali Agha Ne, wo naha gaya post match mein, good“.
Read also: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistani head coach Mike Hesson strikes the refusal of the post-match handshake in India
The controversy of the handshake arises from the recent terrorist attack of Pahalgam in April 2025, where 26 tourists were killed, followed by India Operation Sindoor This targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and cashmere occupied by Pakistan. Head coach Gautam Gambir would have orchestrated the strategy without Hands, advising players to show solidarity with the victims of terrorist attacks and to avoid all jokes with Pakistani counterparts. Match referee Andy Pycroft had asked the two captains not to shake hands during the draw, although none of the guidelines of this type were provided for post-match protocols.
Shoaib Akhtar crying over the handshake saga 😂 The same guy was frightening with Asim Munir & Afridi for months ago. Bravo Surya – Strike as deeply as Nur Khan Air Base! 🔥🇮🇳 #Indvspak #IndianCricket #Indiavspakistan # Aisacup2025 # Indvspak2025 https://t.co/6o4xkugn8u pic.twitter.com/t9v8pck0u8
– Gaurav (@K_Gauravs) September 15, 2025
Also read: “You want to devote victory to all our armed forces”: Suryakumar Yadav over the dominant victory of India against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025
