 "Handshake snub, fiery send-offs and contentious catch: India A vs Pakistan A clash explodes into controversy")
India A suffered a crushing defeat against Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan A) on Sunday at the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, but it was not the result, but the controversies, including another handshake snub, that made the headlines. India’s A side is being captained by the experienced Jitesh Sharma and comprises power-packed players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Priyansh Arya and Ashutosh Sharma.
Having defeated the UAE by 148 runs in their tournament opener, India entered the Pakistan match high on competition. But it was Pakistan’s reserve side that had the last laugh in the Group B match with a convincing eight-wicket win, their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
The Indians fans, however, may not remember the result for far too long, but a few things that transpired in the match must have fired them up, hoping for a rematch.
Handshake snub and aggressive Masood send-off
Following the tradition set by Suryakumar Yadav and Co in the Asia Cup earlier this year, India A also did not shake hands with the Pakistani players during their match on 16 November. Jitesh Sharma avoided a handshake with Irfan Khan at the toss and it was the same story at the end of the match as the Men In Blue stayed away from the Shaheens.
🚨 NO HANDSHAKE BETWEEN INDIA A AND PAKISTAN A 🚨
— MD Raju 🇮🇳 (@MDRaju_Live) November 16, 2025
After the match ended, India A players did not shake hands with the Pakistan A team.
Once again no handshake.👏🏻😂 pic.twitter.com/KBXfhANS7Z
The handshake snub, however, was only one part, as Pakistani players were seen to be extra aggressive, in many ways trying to take revenge for India not shaking hands with them.
Pakistani spinner Saad Masood was seen giving a fiery send-off to Naman Dhir as India were off to a strong start. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya’s opening stand lasted for 30 runs in 3.2 overs and Dhir’s dismissal came on 79 in the ninth over.
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View AllDhir got out trying to play a flashy drive on off, which went straight to the extra cover fielder. An aggressive Masood was seen pointing towards the dugout as if asking Dhir to get out of the field as he celebrated the dismissal. The bowler was also quickly reprimanded by the umpire.
It wasn’t the celebration that hurt India, however, it was the collapse of the middle order as the Men In Blue were bowled out for just 136 in 19 overs.
Sadaqat given not out in controversial fashion
In reply, Maaz Sadaqat played an unbeaten knock of 79 off just 47 balls, guiding his team to victory, despite the loss of Mohammad Naeem and Yasir Khan. The wickets were taken by Yash Thakur and Suyash Sharma, respectively.
Sadaqat’s knock, however, wasn’t untouched by controversy as he survived a brilliant fielding effort by Indian fielders at the boundary in the ninth over. Sadaqat was on 56 when he played a lofted shot towards long-on, but his effort was cut short by a sensational Nehal Wadhera, who intercepted the ball at the boundary before throwing it back in the field for Dhir to complete a brilliant relay catch.
It looked out to everyone, including Sadaqat, who almost walked off the pitch, only for the third umpire to rule the decision in Pakistan’s favour. The Indian players were disappointed with the decision as they were seen surrounding one of the on-field umpires for an explanation.
Wasn’t Maaz Sadaqat clearly out here?
— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) November 16, 2025
- And 3rd umpire gave this not out, crazy umpiring in Emerging Asia Cup, Indian players are unhappy with this. pic.twitter.com/MtKrpoK1QZ
Nonetheless, the decision stood and Sadaqat completed the job for his team. Interestingly, while the third umpire gave it not out, he did not award a six to Pakistan as it was registered as a dot ball.
The Raw Emotions of Maaz Sadaqat Say it allpic.twitter.com/Da5qe7yEo1
— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) November 16, 2025
If both India and Pakistan qualify from Group B and win their semi-finals, then there’s a chance of another contest between the two sides in the final on 23 November.
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