Key Highlights
- India A team avoided handshakes with Pakistan Shaheens in the Rising Stars Asia Cup match.
- No handshake at the toss or after games between India A and Pakistan Shaheens.
- The gesture, or lack of it, has drawn attention to bilateral cricket interactions amid suspended relations between India and Pakistan.
- This pattern continued from the recent Asia Cup where senior Indian team avoided handshakes with Pakistan players.
No Handshake: India A’s Controversial Move at Rising Stars Asia Cup
The cricket world witnessed another instance of the tense relationship between India and Pakistan as the India A team skipped handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts during a match in the Rising Stars Asia Cup. This move was consistent with the pattern seen earlier this year when the senior Indian team avoided handshakes with Pakistan players throughout the Asia Cup, including at the toss and after games.
Context of Tension
The Rising Stars Asia Cup, held in Doha on Sunday, saw India A versus Pakistan Shaheens. The match began with no handshake between the two teams following their respective national anthems. The gesture, or lack thereof, has once again drawn attention to how both teams manage interactions at International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.
Continuation of Toss Gesture
The Asia Cup in September had been marked by heightened tension between the two sides, with India’s senior team avoiding handshakes during all three matches against Pakistan. This included the final match where India won by five wickets. The refusal to shake hands was initially a show of solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and a gesture of respect towards the armed forces.
Impact on Diplomatic Relations
The absence of handshakes has extended into the Rising Stars tournament, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic and sporting challenges between India and Pakistan. The senior Pakistani team elected to bowl first after winning the toss, setting the stage for a competitive match.
Future Implications
This gesture by India A raises questions about the future of bilateral cricket relations between the two nations. With interactions at international events being fraught with tension, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will evolve in the coming months and years as cricket continues to serve as a platform for both sportsmanship and political discourse.
