Pakistan has lodged an official protest after the Indian team refused to shake hands at the end of the Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai, media reports said.

 

According to the reports, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema registered a formal complaint against the behavior of the Indian players and match referee Andy Pycroft. Cheema told the referee that the incident went against the spirit of cricket.

 

Reports revealed that Pycroft responded by saying he had been "asked" to make such a request. The statement fueled further anger in the Pakistan camp.

 

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also staged a protest by skipping the post-match ceremony. Reports claimed his decision was taken in light of the fact that the presenter of the ceremony was from India.

 

Head coach Mike Hesson backed the players’ stance. "The reaction from our side was natural after what India did," he said.

 

The team spokesperson confirmed that the referee himself had requested both captains not to shake hands at the toss. Pycroft, who hails from Zimbabwe, became a central figure in the controversy.

 

Fans and analysts quickly pointed out that India had ignored basic cricket traditions not once but twice in the same match, first at the toss and later after the game.

 

On the field, India secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the sixth match of the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium.

 

Batting first, Pakistan posted 127 for 9 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 40 runs while Shaheen Afridi added a quick 33. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking three wickets for just 18 runs.

 

India chased down the target in 15.5 overs, finishing at 131 for 3. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma both scored 31 runs to steer their side home comfortably.

 

Saim Ayub claimed all three wickets for Pakistan.

 

Pakistan now face a must-win clash against UAE to qualify for the Super Four stage after winning their first match against Oman but losing their second against India. Meanwhile, India remain unbeaten with victories over both Oman and Pakistan.