India vs Pak: All drama on field as India refuses handshake and Pakistan skips post-match presentation

India registered a thumping win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday, defeating arch-rivals by seven wickets. But what followed was a staged "diplomatic drama" as Team India refused to shake hands with Pakistan players, and the latter protested by not attending the post-match presentation ceremony at the Dubai International Stadium. 

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav sealed the win by a six in the air, but instead of doing the customary handshake with the opponents, he only shook hands with fellow teammate Shivam Dube, and the entire team moved into the dressing room. Without any delay, India's support staff closed the door, while Pakistan's players were still standing on the ground. People are calling it the "handshake-gate". 

Expressing his frustration, Pakistan's Head Coach Mike Hesson told the media, "We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We are disappointed that the opposition did not do that. We went over there, and they were already gone to the changing room, so that was obviously a disappointing way to finish the match." 

Hesson also talked to match referee Andy Pycroft about the situation, after the Pakistan team was stranded on the ground, and he found that India's dressing room was locked. Later on, Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha did not appear for the post-match presentation. 

In a statement, Pakistan's team management confirmed the protest, saying, "The behavior of Indian players was against the spirit of sportsmanship. That is why skipper Agha was not sent to the post-match ceremony." 

India stays firm

The Indian Cricket Team stood firm on its stance, as skipper Suryakumar Yadav said in the press conference, "We took a call as we came here to only play. We gave a proper reply. The team was aligned with the Government of India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in not shaking hands with the Pakistan team. A few things are ahead of sportsman spirit. We stand with the victims and families of the Pahalgam terror attack, and we express our solidarity. We want to dedicate today's win to the armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor." 

The Sunday's Asia Cup match was the first between the neighboring nations since the armed conflict in May. After the Pahalgam attack of April 22 that killed 26 civilians, India responded with Operation Sindoor. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attack. 

India dominates on field

While the actions of the two teams were impossible to ignore, what stood out was India's domination on the field. The spinners took the field by storm, and Suryakumar Yadav gave his top-notch performance with an unbeaten 47. 

Pakistan was restricted to 127 for 9 in 20 overs, as India successfully chased down the low score, ending up at 131 for 3 with 25 balls to spare. The Indian spinners gave 55 dot balls in the match, as Kuldeep Yadav took away three wickets yet again. Choosing to bat first, the Pakistan team collapsed to India's spin, owing to pressure, failed sweeps, and poor shot selection. 

In all, it was all drama as the arch-rivals faced one another when all is not well between the two sides. India's refusal to shake hands with Pakistan, and the latter then protesting by not attending the post-match presentation, all seemed to be the rift that sport couldn't bridge....or heal. 

India continues its winning streak in the Asia Cup, with its next match scheduled against Oman.