Pakistan cricket team manager Naveed Akram Cheema has filed a formal protest over the conduct of Indian players during the Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai.
Cheema said the refusal of Indian players to shake hands went against the spirit of the game. He added that Pakistan’s reaction was a natural response under the circumstances.
Officials confirmed that the match referee had earlier advised both captains to avoid handshakes at the toss. Despite this, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha chose to boycott the post-match ceremony in protest.
Head coach Mike Hesson supported the team’s stance, saying the response was a natural reaction to what they viewed as an unsporting gesture from the Indian side.
The incident sparked debate among cricket fans and analysts. Many believe sporting traditions like handshakes should be respected, while others argue political tensions added weight to the controversy.
On the field, India outplayed Pakistan with a dominant performance. Chasing a modest 128-run target, India reached 131 for 3 in just 15.5 overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. He received strong support from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, who added 31 runs each.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the standout performer with the ball. He claimed all three Indian wickets, finishing with figures of 3 for 35 from four overs.
Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Choosing to bat first, they could only manage 127 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.
The protest by Cheema has now brought the focus off the pitch, with attention turning to the Asian Cricket Council and match officials. It remains to be seen whether any formal action will be taken regarding the incident.
For more updates, check the full details of Pakistan’s confirmed playing XI for the Asia Cup clash against India.
