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Focus On Playing Cricket: Former India Skipper On Handshake Row
Follow UsA controversy erupted when India players refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts during their Asia Cup encounter
The Asia Cup 2025, so far, has been about the handshake row between India and Pakistan. After the Indian team refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts during their encounter on September 14 (Sunday), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained to the ICC to have match referee Andy Pycroft removed from the rest of the matches.
However, the ICC dismissed PCB's request and the Zimbabwean officiated Pakistan's match against the UAE on September 17 (Wednesday), after the Salman Ali Agha-led side threatened to boycott the tournament.
Looking at what transpired, former India captain Kapil Dev reckons that the primary focus should be on cricket and not make a big deal of such minuscule issues.
“These are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial. Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one’s personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug,” Kapil said, according to India Today.
India and Pakistan will clash again in the Super Four on September 21 (Sunday) in Dubai.