Handshake Controversy Continues as India Defeats Pakistan in Hong Kong

In a repeat of recent encounters, Indian and Pakistani cricket players opted not to shake hands following their match at the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, furthering the tradition that has emerged amid heightened tensions between the two nations. This latest clash saw India secure a narrow victory over Pakistan by two runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, marking another chapter in the ongoing rivalry.

The match, which was affected by rain, ended with India scoring 86 runs for the loss of four wickets in six overs. Robin Uthappa was a standout performer, scoring 28 runs from just 11 deliveries, which included two boundaries and three sixes. Pakistan's innings began positively, reaching 41 runs for one wicket in the third over before rain interrupted play. Following the rain delay, DLS calculations determined that India was ahead, thereby declaring them the winners.

The handshake controversy can be traced back to the 2025 Asia Cup, which unfolded against a backdrop of heightened political tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor. During that tournament, India faced Pakistan three times, winning all encounters. In one notable incident on September 14, during the group stage, Indian player Suryakumar Yadav returned to the dressing room immediately after scoring the winning runs. When the Pakistani team approached for post-match handshakes, they were met with a closed door.

This incident led to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodging multiple complaints with the International Cricket Council (ICC), alleging that match referee Andy Pycroft failed to uphold the spirit of the game. As a result, the ICC imposed fines on several players, including Haris Rauf, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, for their roles in the matter.

The trend of avoiding handshakes has since become a hallmark of matches between India and Pakistan, highlighting the current state of their sporting relations. Both teams have adhered to this practice, which aligns with the protocol established during the Asia Cup 2025. Despite this ongoing tension, India has maintained a winning streak in their recent encounters, while the post-match customs remain unchanged across various tournaments and formats.

The implications of this handshake controversy extend beyond the cricket field, affecting the broader context of cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan. International cricket authorities are closely observing these developments, as the trend of forgoing handshakes has become a significant aspect of India-Pakistan cricket matches, regardless of the tournament or location. The situation continues to evolve as both teams navigate their complex relationship, with the handshake issue serving as a stark reminder of the political tensions that can permeate the world of sport.