A recent high-stakes cricket encounter has ignited a significant controversy, with former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi publicly criticizing the Indian cricket team. He expressed strong disapproval over their alleged refusal to engage in customary post-match handshakes following India’s dominant seven-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A match held at the Dubai International Stadium.
This incident quickly escalated, leading to palpable tensions between the two rival teams. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly threatened to withdraw from the tournament, citing issues with match referee Andy Pycroft’s conduct. Adding to the drama, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha noticeably skipped the post-match presentation ceremony. Pakistan’s coach, Mike Hesson, also conveyed his profound disappointment regarding the events.
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File photo of former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi. (Instagram)
“When the Asia Cup commenced, social media was inundated with boycott campaigns ahead of the India-Pakistan match,” Afridi revealed during a discussion on Samaa TV. “Given the immense pressure, it’s hardly surprising that the players and the BCCI were instructed not to shake hands with our team.”
Indeed, the match itself was preceded by widespread calls for a boycott across Indian social media platforms, with fans expressing strong opposition to the game, fueled by heightened national sentiments.
“In my opinion, there was a glaring absence of sportsman spirit,” Afridi declared. “They would once again be subjected to global embarrassment. I firmly believe our stance was absolutely justified, and our PCB chairman has taken a commendable stand. Overall, it’s an outstanding position from our side.”
Clips of the handshake between Suryakumar Yadav and Mohsin Naqvi quickly went viral, fueling backlash among Indian fans. (Image credit: ACC)
He continued, “I have consistently maintained that players should serve as exceptional ambassadors and never be a source of embarrassment. I refrain from faulting the Indian cricketers directly; I believe they were simply following directives from higher authorities.”
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board had reportedly threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup if the International Cricket Council (ICC) failed to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the remaining tournament matches. Although their official complaint with the ICC was ultimately dismissed, TimesofIndia.com reported that Pycroft would indeed not be part of the officiating team for Pakistan’s subsequent match against the UAE.
Adding another layer to the already complex situation, following India’s victory, Captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the Indian Armed Forces, expressing solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror incident.
The controversy wasn’t confined to the post-match interactions alone. Even before the tournament began, Suryakumar had faced considerable social media criticism for shaking hands with ACC head Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan captain Agha during the official captain’s press conference.
Afridi concluded, “The very same Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi at the captain’s press conference. Now, in the public eye and unable to withstand the social media pressure, the government has allowed Indian players to become an embarrassment to the world.”