In a moment that blended sportsmanship with simmering subcontinental politics, Pakistan’s cricket and hockey teams were warmly greeted with post-match handshakes by their South African counterparts—a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by former Pakistani stars. Ramiz Raja and Aamer Sohail seized the opportunity to take a pointed jab at India, reigniting memories of the controversial handshake refusal during last year’s Asia Cup .
The incident comes on the heels of Pakistan’s emphatic 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Multan—a win that not only boosted team morale but also showcased a return to the spirit of mutual respect on the field. While fans celebrated the cricketing triumph, commentators turned the spotlight on a deeper issue: the lingering chill in India-Pakistan sporting relations.
Handshake Drama: A Symbol of What’s Missing
After the match, South African players lined up to shake hands with their Pakistani opponents—a routine act of courtesy that has become rare in India-Pakistan encounters. During the 2023 Asia Cup, India’s team, led by Rohit Sharma, walked off the field without acknowledging their Pakistani counterparts after a tense group-stage match. The move, though never officially explained, was widely interpreted as a political statement amid heightened diplomatic tensions .
Former Pakistan captain and ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja didn’t mince words. “When you see teams like South Africa showing basic respect, it reminds you of what’s missing when we play certain neighbors,” he said on air. “Sportsmanship shouldn’t be conditional.”
Aamer Sohail, another ex-captain known for his fiery on-field presence, echoed the sentiment: “Cricket is a gentleman’s game. If you can’t shake hands after 50 overs of battle, maybe you shouldn’t be playing at this level.”
Timeline of India-Pakistan Handshake Controversies
| Event | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup Group Match | 2023 | Indian team skipped handshake after win over Pakistan |
| T20 World Cup Encounter | 2022 | Limited interaction; no formal handshake line |
| Pakistan vs South Africa (Multan Test) | 2025 | Full handshake exchange; praised by commentators |
Why the Handshake Matters
On the surface, a handshake is a small gesture. But in the high-stakes world of India-Pakistan cricket, it carries outsized symbolic weight. For decades, matches between the two nations have doubled as unofficial diplomatic barometers. When players exchange pleasantries, it signals a sliver of hope for thawing relations. When they don’t, it reinforces division.
Former ICC chief Ehsan Mani once noted, “Cricket between India and Pakistan isn’t just sport—it’s a mirror of our shared, fractured history.” The handshake, or lack thereof, becomes part of that narrative.
Fans React: Social Media Divided
Reactions online were predictably split. Pakistani fans applauded Raja and Sohail for “calling out hypocrisy,” while many Indian supporters argued that “politics shouldn’t dictate on-field behavior—but neither should we pretend tensions don’t exist.”
One viral tweet read: “South Africa shakes hands because they don’t have 75 years of baggage. It’s not that simple with India and Pakistan.”
What’s Next?
With the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for early 2026—and both India and Pakistan confirmed participants—the handshake question looms large. Will the teams exchange courtesies if they meet? Or will the ghost of the Asia Cup linger?
For now, Pakistan’s victory over South Africa has given its cricketing community more than just two points—it’s given them a platform to advocate for the values they believe the game should uphold.