Will India Receive the Trophy from Naqvi If They Win the Final?

Dubai: The recent clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup has sparked quite a controversy. After a hard-fought match where India emerged victorious by seven wickets, the Indian players chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. This decision was made in solidarity with the families affected by the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 innocent lives were lost due to the actions of Pakistan-backed terrorists. India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, defended this choice, stating it was a mark of respect and support for the victims and their families.

The situation escalated quickly. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was furious and demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, claiming he was responsible for not facilitating the traditional handshake. PCB officials accused him of suggesting that the Pakistani captain, Salman Ali Agha, should avoid handshaking with the Indian skipper, further igniting tensions between the two countries.

Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and also the PCB chief, announced that they had filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). They accused Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and not upholding the spirit of cricket. Moreover, PCB’s team manager, Naved Cheema, also complained about the failure to exchange team sheets—an established formality at such events.

As the controversy brewed, it was reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had not yet responded to the PCB’s complaints. However, insiders hinted that if India reaches the final on September 28, they might avoid sharing the presentation stage with Naqvi when he presents the winner’s trophy.

The incident revealed the growing rift and different viewpoints between the two teams. Both Indian and Pakistani players avoided any interactions during warm-ups, and the traditional exchanging of team sheets was handled by the match referee. The PCB issued a statement asserting that India’s refusal to shake hands was unsporting and detrimental to the spirit of the game. Consequently, Pakistan opted not to send their captain for the post-match ceremony as a form of protest.

Suryakumar Yadav commented on the situation, maintaining that certain matters take precedence over sportsmanship. He expressed commitment to support the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicated their win to the Indian Armed Forces. This sentiment was echoed by India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who also expressed strong feelings regarding interactions with Pakistan.

While social media buzzed with debates about the legitimacy of allowing a match between India and Pakistan against the backdrop of political tensions, Gambhir and the senior players took a united stance on the handshake matter. They contended that their decision was not made lightly but was a carefully thought-out response to a serious issue that transcends sports.

It’s worth noting Gambhir’s personal view on cricketing ties with Pakistan—he has long advocated that no sporting engagements should proceed until terrorism diminishes on Indian soil. If this gesture of not shaking hands indeed becomes a policy during the Asia Cup, it could continue to reflect India’s current stand on its diplomatic relations with Pakistan, particularly if they meet again in future matches.

A senior BCCI official mentioned that the act of shaking hands is traditionally viewed as a goodwill gesture rather than a strict requirement of the sport. In situations where historical grievances exist, such gestures can be avoided without contravening any formal rules. This echoes similar instances in international sports history where players have refrained from shaking hands due to political motivations.

The backdrop to this incident is more complex. The Indian government has permitted matches between the two nations at multinational events as a commitment to sporting events, primarily because cricket has gained a spot in the Olympic Programme for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. India’s ambition to host major events, such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad, hangs in the balance.

In conclusion, while cricket matches between India and Pakistan are set to continue, the warm camaraderie often associated with sports has taken a backseat, reflecting the delicate nature of their diplomatic relations.

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Original Text – https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/handshake-row-will-india-receive-trophy-from-naqvi-if-they-win-final-1904034