The cricket pitch may be neutral, but the air between India and Pakistan remains charged. In the latest chapter of their storied rivalry, the India Pakistan handshake drama flared up again—this time at the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, where India edged out Pakistan in a rain-affected thriller decided by the DLS method .
Yet, what dominated headlines wasn’t the result or the six-hitting spectacle—it was the conspicuous absence of the post-match handshake. Once a universal symbol of sportsmanship, this simple gesture has now become a casualty of decades of geopolitical tension, team protocols, and lingering mistrust. Let’s unpack why this tradition has vanished and what it says about the state of cricket diplomacy today.
Held in the vibrant setting of Hong Kong, the Sixes format—a fast-paced, entertainment-driven version of cricket—brought together legends and current stars for a high-octane showdown. India, led by a mix of veterans and young guns, posted a competitive total before rain interrupted Pakistan’s chase.
The match was ultimately decided by the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method, handing India a narrow victory . While fans celebrated the win, cameras quickly cut to the players walking off—without the customary lineup and handshakes. It was a silent but powerful statement, echoing similar scenes from recent encounters.
This isn’t an isolated incident. The India Pakistan handshake drama has become a consistent feature since the 2023 Asia Cup:
What was once a spontaneous gesture of mutual respect has been replaced by a carefully choreographed avoidance—suggesting an unspoken understanding between both camps.
Several intertwined factors explain this shift:
According to insiders, both the BCCI and PCB have issued informal guidelines advising players to “maintain professionalism” without engaging in post-match social rituals. This isn’t about hostility—it’s about risk management.
As one former India team official told ESPNCricinfo, “In today’s climate, even a smile can be taken out of context. It’s safer—and simpler—for everyone to just walk off.”
This approach ensures players aren’t put in compromising positions and keeps the focus on performance, not politics.
Fans are divided. Many Indian supporters argue that “they don’t deserve our respect,” citing Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism. Pakistani fans counter that India’s stance is “hypocritical” given its own nationalist rhetoric.
Globally, however, the cricketing community laments the loss of a unifying tradition. The ICC has always championed the handshake as a pillar of the Spirit of Cricket, but it cannot enforce it in bilateral contests outside its direct jurisdiction.
For the handshake to return, it would likely require a thaw in diplomatic ties—a tall order in the near term. However, neutral venues like Hong Kong or the UAE could serve as testing grounds for small gestures of goodwill.
Some suggest a compromise: a brief nod or bat-tap instead of a handshake. Others believe the moment will come organically—perhaps after a World Cup final—when the weight of history is momentarily lifted by shared humanity.
The India Pakistan handshake drama is more than a cricketing footnote—it’s a mirror reflecting the complex, often painful relationship between two nations bound by history, culture, and sport. While India’s victory in Hong Kong was decided by rain and algorithms, the real story unfolded in the silence that followed. Until politics allows room for grace, the handshake may remain the most missed six of all.
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