Asia Cup Handshake Row: Will India accept trophy from Pakistan's Naqvi if they win final?

India’s commanding 7-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 should have been a reason for jubilation. Instead, it has ignited one of the fiercest debates in recent cricketing history. The controversy stems from the Indian team’s refusal, under captain Suryakumar Yadav, to participate in the customary post-match handshake with Pakistani players. 

Their gesture, aimed at honoring victims of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, was lauded by many Indians but drew sharp criticism from across the border.

PCB’s Outrage and Complaint Against Referee

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wasted no time in escalating the issue. It lodged complaints with both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the ICC, demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the ACC and doubles as Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister, alleged that Pycroft mishandled the pre-match proceedings by advising Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha against the handshake. 

Pakistan’s team manager Naved Cheema, further claimed Pycroft ignored protocol by not ensuring the traditional exchange of team sheets. In protest, Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony.

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India’s Deliberate Decision

For India, the “no handshake” wasn’t a spontaneous reaction but a pre-planned stance. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, senior players, and BCCI officials had agreed beforehand that the team would refrain from handshakes as a symbolic protest. “Few things in life are bigger than sportsmanship,” Suryakumar Yadav remarked, dedicating the win to India’s Armed Forces. Gambhir, known for his strong position, reiterated: “No sporting ties till terror activities continue on Indian soil.”

Larger Geopolitical Context

While critics have slammed India’s participation in the Asia Cup, the government’s policy allows Indo-Pak encounters at multi-nation events, mindful of international optics. With cricket entering the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and India aspiring to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics, outright boycotts could weaken India’s global image. Thus, while the matches go ahead, camaraderie is conspicuously absent.

The Trophy Question

The controversy may peak if India reaches the final on September 28. As ACC president, Mohsin Naqvi is expected to present the winner’s trophy. But given India’s stand against sharing even a handshake, another awkward moment looms large.

What if India wins the Asia Cup? Will they receive the trophy from Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi?