The absence of a simple handshake spoke volumes. During the recent ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 clash in Doha, players from India A vs Pakistan Shaheens concluded their match without the customary post-game pleasantries. The gesture—or rather, the lack of it—has once again stirred conversation about the intersection of politics, rivalry, and sportsmanship in cricket .
Table of Contents
- The Handshake Omission: What Happened?
- A Pattern from Senior to Junior Teams
- Why This Silence Matters
- Historical Context of India-Pakistan Cricket Handshakes
- How the Cricket World Reacts
- What’s Next for Rivalry and Respect?
- Sources
The Handshake Omission: What Happened?
Following their Group B T20 encounter on November 16, 2025, at Doha’s West End Park International Cricket Stadium, members of the India A squad walked off the field without engaging in the traditional handshake line with the Pakistan Shaheens . Notably, there was also no exchange of pleasantries at the toss.
The move wasn’t spontaneous—it mirrored the behavior of India’s senior team during the recent Asia Cup 2023, where handshakes were skipped in all three encounters against Pakistan, including the final . Now, that precedent has clearly trickled down to the developmental level.
A Pattern from Senior to Junior Teams
This isn’t just about one match. The consistent avoidance of handshakes across formats and age groups signals a deliberate, top-down approach. When senior national players set a tone—whether through action or inaction—it inevitably influences junior and ‘A’ teams who look up to them as role models.
For rising stars in the India A vs Pakistan Shaheens contest, the message seems clear: maintain distance, avoid fraternization, and treat every encounter as more than just a game. But at what cost to the spirit of cricket?
Why This Silence Matters
Cricket, at its core, is a game built on respect—between opponents, officials, and fans. The post-match handshake, though ceremonial, symbolizes mutual recognition of effort and fair play. Its absence, especially in high-stakes rivalries, can be interpreted as a silent protest, a political statement, or simply cold professionalism.
Yet critics argue that when even developmental teams adopt this stance, it risks normalizing hostility over harmony. As one former ICC official noted, “Cricket is one of the few platforms where India and Pakistan can engage peacefully. Removing even symbolic gestures erodes that bridge” .
Historical Context of India-Pakistan Cricket Handshakes
The handshake tradition between India and Pakistan wasn’t always guaranteed. In the early 2000s, post-match interactions were often minimal due to geopolitical tensions. However, during periods of thaw—like the 2004–2007 tours—captains like Rahul Dravid and Inzamam-ul-Haq regularly exchanged warm handshakes, even smiles.
Fast-forward to 2023: the ICC removed mandatory handshakes from its playing conditions, giving teams discretion. India’s senior team immediately opted out during the Asia Cup . Now, that discretion has evolved into a consistent policy—even for future stars.
How the Cricket World Reacts
Reactions have been mixed:
- Supportive View: Many fans and analysts argue that in today’s climate, maintaining neutrality is a form of self-respect. “It’s not unsportsmanlike—it’s realism,” said one prominent commentator.
- Critical View: Others, including former international players from neutral nations, lament the loss of cricket’s unifying potential. “These young players are learning that rivalry means animosity—not competition,” warned ex-Australian captain Mark Taylor in a recent interview .
- ICC Stance: The International Cricket Council has declined to intervene, citing its revised code that no longer enforces post-match gestures .
For more on cricket’s evolving ethics, explore our deep dive into sportsmanship in modern cricket.
What’s Next for Rivalry and Respect?
As the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether this trend continues—not just in India-Pakistan games but in how other nations approach symbolic gestures.
For the India A vs Pakistan Shaheens players, the real test isn’t just scoring runs or taking wickets—it’s whether they can uphold fierce competition without sacrificing mutual respect. Cricket doesn’t require friendship, but it does demand dignity. And that begins with small gestures.
Sources
- The Times of India: No handshake! India A skip handshakes with Pakistan Shaheens
- ESPNcricinfo: India-Pakistan Handshake Row in Asia Cup 2023
- International Cricket Council (ICC): ICC Playing Conditions Update 2023
- The Guardian: ICC Drops Mandatory Handshake Rule
- Cricket Australia: Mark Taylor on Cricket and Respect