ICC’s Firm Directive on the ‘Handshake’ Controversy between India and Pakistan

During the ongoing Asia Cup group-stage matches, Indian cricketers refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts. This led to widespread speculation among sports enthusiasts as to whether handshakes would take place when the two teams meet again in the Super Four stage. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now taken a decisive step to address this issue.

According to international sports media outlet Cricbuzz, ICC CEO held a special meeting with Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and head of the Asian Cricket Council. Following this meeting, the PCB Chairman also held a separate discussion with Pakistan’s captain and head coach.

The ICC has clearly directed Pakistan that no Pakistani player should attempt to initiate handshakes with Indian cricketers during the Super Four clash. Pakistan has accepted this directive, which means that the upcoming match will once again proceed without any formal handshakes between the players of the two rival nations.

Meanwhile, legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, who captained India to victory in the 1983 World Cup, has urged both teams and fans to move beyond this unnecessary controversy and concentrate on the game itself.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Kapil Dev remarked: “These are trivial matters. If someone chooses not to shake hands, what is the issue? It is not a rule of the game, rather a matter of personal choice. Creating controversies around this is unreasonable. One should not make irresponsible comments that fuel debates. Pakistan did not play good cricket, and that is what they should really be concerned about.”

Kapil Dev further expressed confidence that under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India are well-positioned to retain the Asia Cup title.