Cricket Before Politics: PCB Chief’s Firm Response to India’s No-Handshake Stance
Cricket Before Politics: The ongoing tension between India and Pakistan has once again spilled onto the cricket field, this time in the form of a symbolic yet widely discussed no-handshake policy. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reacted strongly to India’s continued refusal to engage in post-match handshakes, making it clear that Pakistan will not retreat or change its stance under pressure. His remarks come shortly after Pakistan’s Under-19 team defeated India to clinch the U-19 World Cup 2025 title, adding further context and intensity to the debate.
Background of the No-Handshake Policy
Since the Asia Cup 2025 held in September, India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams have consistently avoided shaking hands with Pakistani players during international fixtures. This move has been widely interpreted as a gesture of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack that took place in April. While the policy is symbolic, it has attracted global attention because handshakes in cricket are traditionally seen as a sign of sportsmanship and mutual respect, regardless of political circumstances.
The Indian Under-19 team recently maintained the same position during the U19 Asia Cup, reinforcing the idea that the stance is being applied uniformly across different levels of the sport. This consistency has made the issue more prominent in international cricket discussions.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Perspective on Cricket and Politics
Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds the position of Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has emphasized that the PCB does not intend to initiate handshakes or other formal gestures with India if the latter is unwilling to do so. According to Naqvi, Pakistan’s approach is rooted in the belief that cricket and politics should remain separate domains.
He stated that even Pakistan’s Prime Minister has reiterated this view, advising that political issues should not interfere with the game. Naqvi highlighted that from the very beginning, Pakistan’s stance has been consistent: the spirit of cricket should be preserved, but dignity and equality must also be maintained. Any display of unequal treatment or attitude on the field, he suggested, cannot be ignored.
Equal Footing and Mutual Respect
Naqvi further clarified that Pakistan respects India’s choice, whatever it may be. If India chooses not to participate in handshakes, Pakistan has no desire to force the gesture. However, he strongly underlined that Pakistan will not accept a situation where one side dictates the tone while expecting the other to comply quietly.
His message was clear: interactions between the two teams must happen on equal footing. Pakistan, he asserted, will neither escalate the situation nor back down. This balanced but firm position reflects the PCB’s intention to protect its team’s self-respect while avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
Role of Asian Cricket Council and Broader Implications
As the head of the Asian Cricket Council, Naqvi’s statements carry additional weight. His comments suggest that this approach is not a one-time reaction but a principle that will guide Pakistan’s conduct in future tournaments as well. The issue has implications beyond bilateral matches, influencing how cricket boards across Asia perceive neutrality, sports ethics, and political expression within sports.
The no-handshake policy was first noticed during the Asia Cup when the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, declined to shake hands with Pakistan players. This approach was later mirrored by the Indian women’s team at the ODI World Cup and by various junior teams, including during the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha.
The Future of Indo-Pak Cricket Relations
The ongoing situation highlights how deeply geopolitical issues can affect sports, even at youth levels. While cricket has often served as a bridge between India and Pakistan, recent developments suggest that symbolic actions are increasingly becoming part of the narrative.
For fans and analysts alike, the key question is whether such gestures will remain symbolic or eventually impact the frequency and quality of bilateral cricketing encounters. For now, Pakistan’s message is one of calm resilience: respect the game, maintain equality, and do not allow external pressures to undermine sporting integrity.