The high-voltage Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan has taken a dramatic turn off the field, after players from both sides skipped the traditional post-match handshake. The incident has quickly escalated into a topic of heated debate on social media, with fans and former cricketers questioning whether cricket diplomacy is losing its spirit.

What Happened After the Match

– Following India’s win in the Asia Cup group stage, players from both teams walked back to their dressing rooms without the customary handshake.
– This unusual break from tradition raised eyebrows, especially given the long history of tense yet respectful India-Pakistan cricket encounters.
– Television cameras caught the moment, and within minutes, hashtags like #HandshakeGate, #INDvPAK, and #CricketSpirit began trending.

Fans React Strongly on Social Media

– Indian fans called it “poor sportsmanship,” urging the team to “set a better example.”
– Pakistani supporters, meanwhile, argued that the “heat of the contest” explained the gesture.
– Memes, reactions, and emotional posts flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, fueling the story further.

Experts Weigh In

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag said:
“Rivalry is fine, but handshake is tradition. We can’t let politics overshadow cricket spirit.”

On the other hand, ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi commented:
“It happens in intense matches. Players are human. The focus should be on playing better cricket.”

Why This Matters Beyond Cricket

This controversy is not just about sportsmanship. India-Pakistan matches have historically been tied to diplomacy, politics, and cultural pride. Every symbolic act — even a handshake — carries weight.
– Past “cricket diplomacy” events (like Vajpayee sending Indian players to Pakistan in 2004) are now being compared with the present.
– With the Asia Cup Super Four rematch approaching, the tension is likely to remain in the spotlight.

What’s Next in the Asia Cup

– Both teams are expected to meet again in the Super Four stage.
– Fans are eagerly waiting to see if the controversy will spill into the next game — or whether players will mend relations with a handshake.
– Broadcasters are already highlighting the “Handshake Drama” to attract viewership.