Pakistan plans on sending 'political message' after India's no-handshake policy: Report

Pakistan players celebrate a wicket at Asia Cup 2025 (AP Photo)

With tensions still high following last week's contentious no-handshake scenario, India and Pakistan are scheduled to play each other in the Asia Cup's Round 2 — this time in the Super Four stage — at the same Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan intends to send a "political message" if they avenge their seven-wicket group stage defeat, according to a media report.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was incensed more by India's unwillingness to shake hands with any Pakistan players than by the loss. The gesture, according to India captain Suryakumar Yadav, was made in support of the families of the 26 people killed in the April terror assault in Pahalgam.

After ICC rejected PCB's demand to have match referee Andy Pycroft, who was accused of starting the handshake incident last Sunday, removed from Asia Cup 2025 the matter escalated into a major controversy. The PCB even considered withdrawing from the tournament.

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As reported by RevSportz, speculations are rife that "Pakistan are planning on sending a political message" if they defeat India on Sunday. Naqvi's unexpected visit to the Pakistani players during their Saturday training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai sparked the rumors.

The PCB boss spoke briefly with the players before having a heated, in-depth conversation with coach Mike Hesson. Throughout their chat, he was passionate and even seemed to be using his signal to highlight certain points before calling for captain Salman Agha.

In a propaganda gesture linked to the untrue allegation that six Indian Air Force (IAF) planes were shot down during Operation Sindoor in May, some of the players were even heard yelling "6-0".

As per the report, Naqvi also met with several ICC officials to discuss the apex body's strongly worded letter to PCB on Thursday, which cited "multiple violations" of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations.

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The ICC had objected to PCB recording their chat with Pycroft in the referee's room before the match against UAE. According to PCB, Pycroft expressed regret to team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, head coach Mike Hesson, and Pakistan captain Salman Agha during the meeting. However, the global governing body made it plain that Pycroft had just organised the meeting to address the misunderstanding resulting from the handshake dispute.

The pre-match press conference was canceled by the team management due to the tension in the Pakistan camp. They had previously canceled their news conference prior to the match against UAE.