Revealed: How Gambhir and Senior India Players Planned Pakistan Handshake Snub in Asia Cup
Report claims Gambhir, senior India players, and BCCI planned handshake snub vs Pakistan to honour Pahalgam victims.
The no-handshake row that rocked the India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 was not a sudden act but a planned move, according to a fresh report.
India’s seven-wicket win in Dubai on Sunday was followed by players walking straight off the field, denying the customary handshake to their rivals.
The decision, as per the report, was taken after discussions between head coach Gautam Gambhir, senior players, and the BCCI.
It stated that Gambhir and the seniors were clear from the start about not shaking hands with Pakistan. The final approval for the move reportedly came from senior figures in the board itself.
The backdrop to this stance was the outrage back home over India playing Pakistan so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack in April that killed 26 civilians. Many critics accused the BCCI of putting financial gains ahead of national sentiment.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who turned 35 on the day of the match and guided India to victory with an unbeaten 47, made the team’s position clear.
“Few things in life are ahead of sportsman’s spirit. We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this victory to our Armed Forces,” he said.
When asked if the decision was politically driven, Suryakumar explained, “Together, we came here, we took a call. We came here just to play the game, and I think we gave the proper reply.”
Gautam Gambhir Also Echoed his Captain’s Words During the Broadcast.
“This match was important because as a team we wanted to show solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack. More importantly, we want to thank the armed forces for their successful Operation Sindoor. We will try and make the country proud.”
