PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi provokes India over handshake row at Asia Cup: ‘Dragging politics into the game’

Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, accused India of “dragging” politics into a game of cricket and expressed disappointment as the Men In Blue refused to shake hands with Pakistan players after the Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai on Sunday.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was quick to walk back to the dressing room after hitting the winning runs as he ignored the Pakistan players on the pitch. The Indian players in the dugout also walked back to the dressing room after shaking hands with each other, but did not come to the field where the Pakistan players were waiting for the customary post-match tradition.

SKY explains why India refused handshakes with Pakistan

Suryakumar explained in the press conference that while they were obliged to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 due to their commitments, the team had decided not to shake hands with Pakistan players, to express solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

“Our government and BCCI - we were aligned today,” Suryakumar said. “Rest, we took a call [about not shaking hands]. We came here to just play the game. We have given a proper reply.”

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“Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit also. I’ve [said] it at the presentation as well, we stand with all the victims of Pahalgam terror attacks, stand with their families, and express our solidarity.”

PCB head Naqvi slams India after handshake refusal

The PCB Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, wasn’t happy with India refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players, as he slammed the Men In Blue on social media.

“Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace,” he wrote.

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Naqvi had replaced Jay Shah as ACC president and played a big role in arranging the Asia Cup 2025 and India vs Pakistan matches, which at one time looked highly unlikely. However, as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Maqvi, has earned a reputation for making vicious comments against India.