‘If you read the rule book…’: BCCI breaks silence on India-Pakistan Asia Cup handshake row

BCCI breaks silence on India-Pakistan 'Handshake' row. (Photo: BCCI/X)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has defended the decision of Team India to not exchange handshakes with players from the Pakistan cricket team during their Asia Cup 2025 match. According to the board, this gesture was meant to honour the emotions of Indian fans and show solidarity with the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

As the high-stakes match approached, tension and anger were visibly rising among Indian supporters, many of whom had demanded a complete boycott of Pakistan. However, India went ahead with the fixture to avoid jeopardizing their chances of hosting future multinational tournaments.

Also Read - How India decided on no-handshake policy right before Pakistan encounter at Asia Cup

Citing a report from Press Trust of India (PTI), it was revealed that the Indian team management and the BCCI felt compelled to respond after facing intense backlash on social media. Consequently, head coach Gautam Gambhir and the players collectively decided not to engage in post-match handshakes with the Pakistani squad.

While refuting claims of violating any rules or undermining the spirit of sportsmanship, a senior BCCI official told PTI that post-match handshakes are symbolic rather than mandatory.

“Look, if you read the rule book, there is no specification about shaking hands with the opposition. It is a goodwill gesture and a sort of convention, not law, that is followed globally across the sporting spectrum," said the BCCI official to PTI.

“If there is no law, then the Indian cricket team isn’t bound to shake hands with an opposition with whom there is a history of a strained relationship," the official added.

Also Read - Team India plans on sending second strong message after PAK handshake snub at Asia Cup 2025

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed strong displeasure over the incident and has reportedly urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from officiating in the tournament. The PCB has alleged that Pycroft instructed both captains to avoid handshakes at the toss.

According to reports, Pakistan has even threatened to withdraw from their upcoming match against the United Arab Emirates cricket team if their demand is not fulfilled. However, it is believed that the ICC is likely to reject their appeal.