‘Jung hi kar lein’: Rashid Latif attacks Suryakumar Yadav and Co. over handshake row in IND vs PAK

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif (AFP Photo)

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif criticised the Indian team and its players for not engaging in customary handshake after the Asia Cup 2025 match against the Men In Green in Dubai. He also urged his cricket board to file a formal complaint.

As per Latif, India's refusal to shake hands is a "blot" that they will have to live with forever. “Wars have happened before too, but we have always shaken hands. These things will remain a blot for a lifetime,” Latif was quoted as saying in a report by TimesofIndia.com.

India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets after limiting the opposition to 127/9 in 20 overs, then chased down the modest target in under 16 overs.

Also Read | Pakistan fires senior PCB official over mishandling of India's no handshake policy at Asia Cup

Latif, a former wicketkeeper for Pakistan, also challenged India and said: “Your reservations in terms of war or the Pahalgam attack are legitimate. But when you come to the ground, play the sport the right way. If Pakistan is involved in the Pahalgam attack, then catch those who are responsible.

“‘Jung hi kar lete, woh bhi nahi ki puri tarah se’ (India should have fought the war, but they didn’t even do that properly). India should have fought the war, they should not have backed out. To hide their own mistakes, a lot of things are being done politically. What happened on the ground was not correct,” he said, before adding that he personally “did not like it” and that the Indian team “left a wrong impression.”

Following the game, India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory and expressed the team's support with the families of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to put a smile on their face,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Also Read | Pakistan demands immediate removal of IND vs PAK match referee from Asia Cup 2025

In keeping with his captain's remarks, India coach Gautam Gambhir thanked the Indian military for Operation Sindoor and stated that the team is in solidarity with the families of the terror attack victims.

“The match was important for us because as a team we wanted to show our solidarity to the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. For everything they have gone through. More importantly, we want to thank our armed forces for their successful Operation Sindoor, and I’m sure we will try and make our country proud and happy,” Gambhir said.