Dubai, Sep 15 (PTI) - Before the Asia Cup face-off with Pakistan, the Indian cricket team's encounter was marked by significant backlash, leading to the adoption of a 'No Handshake Policy' during the match.
This stance is expected to prevail in any further contests against Pakistan during the tournament, reflecting a departure from the typical apolitical approach players take when engaging with their Pakistani counterparts.
Suryakumar Yadav addressed the issue, responding to a PTI query by underscoring that the team focused solely on playing cricket, hinting at the heated discussions it sparked.
When a Pakistani journalist raised a question about whether the no-handshake stance was a political decision, the Indian skipper emphasized that certain principles surpass even the spirit of sportsmanship. He mentioned the team's solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicated their victory to the Indian Armed Forces, a sentiment echoed by head coach Gautam Gambhir in his conversation with the tournament broadcaster.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and team management collectively decided on this stance amidst growing dissent within India and on social media regarding the match, perceived by some as prioritizing financial gain over the pain of victims' families from the Pahalgam attack.
Gambhir, along with senior players, agreed not to partake in handshakes, a decision ratified after thorough discussions and cleared by senior officials in the BCCI. Gambhir has personally been vocal against sporting ties with Pakistan as long as terrorism persists on Indian soil.
The 'no handshake' guideline is intended to remain in place for future encounters in the Asia Cup, including potential meetings during the Super Four stage and possibly in the final on September 28.
A senior BCCI official explained to PTI, under anonymity, that shaking hands is more of a traditional sign of goodwill rather than a mandated rule within the cricket world.
Hence, given the historical tensions between India and Pakistan, the team is not obliged to adhere to this convention.
Internationally, the refusal to shake hands for political reasons isn't unprecedented.
At the 2023 Wimbledon, player Elina Svitolina of Ukraine chose not to shake hands with Belarus's Victoria Azarenka, a decision stemming from the tensions involving their respective countries.
Moreover, global sports often see teams engaging regularly despite diplomatic strife, exemplified by football interactions between the USA and Iran.
However, during the recent India-Pakistan cricket clash, the tension was palpable, certain formalities such as the exchange of team sheets were bypassed. Match referee Andy Pycroft handled these instead of the team captains.
Additionally, Pakistan's team manager, Naved Cheema, highlighted in his statement that Pycroft advised against shaking hands.
In future competitions, including the Women’s ODI World Cup in Colombo, it remains to be seen if Indian teams will maintain this stance.
While criticism looms over playing Pakistan regularly, it's imperative to note that the decision aligns with the Indian government's policy, allowing matches at multi-nation events.
This policy is part of a broader aim as India eyes hosting mega sporting events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and potentially the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad.
Thus, in keeping with international sensibilities, India might continue playing Pakistan in broader tournaments, despite a decline in amicability regarding customary gestures.
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