Shaheen Afridi reignites IND-PAK tensions over Asia Cup handshake row

Pakistan star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has once again brought India–Pakistan cricket tensions into existence by accusing Team India of violating the spirit of sportsmanship during the Asia Cup 2025. His comments made during a media interaction in Lahore have triggered debate over the controversial on-field conduct witnessed during the continental tournament.

The Asia Cup 2025 was impacted by strained relations between the arch-rivals. Across all three India-Pakistan matches, Indian players consistently avoided post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. The move, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, was seen as a symbolic protest following the Pahalgam terror attack and an expression of solidarity with the Indian armed forces. Meanwhile, Afridi stated that people across the border violated the spirit of sportsmanship. 

“People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship. Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our focus. We will try to respond on the field,” Shaheen said.

The no-handshakes stance is only one aspect of the hostile atmosphere. Several on-field incidents were witnessed, including provocative celebrations by Pakistani players. Haris Rauf’s jet-crashing gesture and Sahibzada Farhan's mimicking a rifle firing celebration were widely criticised and eventually drew sanctions under the ICC Code of Conduct. 

The controversy even triggered after India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. The Men in Blue refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. Naqvi reportedly declined to delegate the presentation, resulting in the trophy not being handed over at all.

The awards ceremony was abruptly curtailed, with India celebrating their title without the trophy on stage. Meanwhile, the arch-rivals are all set to meet next in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Match No 27 in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.