(Image source from: AP)

A high-ranking official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mentioned that greeting the opposing team with a handshake after a cricket match is merely a friendly act, especially in light of the situation that arose after the Asia Cup 2025 game between India and Pakistan. Indian team captain Suryakumar Yadav did not greet his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha following the match. Despite winning the match by 7 wickets, Indian players refrained from shaking hands with their opponents. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its dissatisfaction with this occurrence and decided to file a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Nevertheless, the BCCI official emphasized that India's actions were completely justified. The official further explained that there is no rule requiring players to shake hands post-match, and in light of increasing political tensions between India and Pakistan, it does not seem practical for players on the Indian cricket team to engage in handshakes or interactions with Pakistani cricketers.

"Take a look at the rulebook; it does not mention any requirement for shaking hands with the opposing team. It is merely a friendly gesture and a common practice, not a legal requirement, observed widely in sports," a senior BCCI official stated to PTI while wishing to remain unnamed. "Since there is no legal obligation, the Indian cricket team is not obligated to shake hands with an opposing team that has a history of a tense relationship," he continued. The PCB also called for the immediate dismissal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing tournament, claiming that he breached the 'Code of Conduct.'"The PCB has filed a complaint with the ICC about the Match Referee breaking the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws dealing with the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has requested the Match Referee's immediate removal from the Asia Cup," said PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi on X.