India Decline Handshakes After Win; Pakistan Coach Mike Hesson Upset

India cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash in Dubai on Sunday, but the result was marred by controversy after the Indian players refused to shake hands with their rivals.

Chasing 128, Suryakumar Yadav’s side wrapped up the match with 25 balls to spare, but instead of the customary handshake, Yadav and Shivam Dube headed straight to the dressing room. When Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson approached the Indian camp, no players emerged.

A visibly frustrated Hesson later voiced his displeasure.

“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We went over there to shake hands, and they’d already gone into the changing room,” he said at the post-match press conference. “That was a disappointing way for the match to finish.”

The incident came against the backdrop of boycott calls in India following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. After the win, Suryakumar dedicated the result to the Indian Armed Forces, saying the team stood with the families of the victims.

Adding to the tension, Agha skipped the post-match interview with broadcasters, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, who collected an award, walked off looking visibly upset.

With the win, India are virtually assured of a place in the Super 4s and will face Oman next on September 19. Pakistan play the UAE on September 17.