Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised India’s conduct during the Asia Cup 2025, calling the refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players a “poor show of sportsmanship.” Afridi claimed that social media campaigns in India had amplified calls to boycott the marquee clash, and the players were reportedly asked to avoid any gestures of camaraderie with their rivals.

The controversy escalated when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to pull out of the tournament unless the ICC removed match referee Andy Pycroft. According to the PCB, Pycroft advised Salman Ali Agha at the toss not to exchange handshakes with India captain Suryakumar Yadav, a decision that sparked anger within Pakistan’s cricket fraternity.

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After India’s comprehensive win, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces, saying the team stood in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. While his gesture resonated with Indian fans, it did little to ease tensions across the border.

Shahid Afridi on India’s disgraceful acts.

“After May 10,the world saw Pakistan’s power & saw India being humiliated.India had become a joke in front of the world. That was something India could not tolerate. BCCI asked Indian players not to shake hands” #AsiaCup2025 #PakvsInd pic.twitter.com/6C583JNRde

— Maham Gillani (@DheetAfridian) September 15, 2025

Shahid Afridi, speaking on Samaa TV, stood firmly behind the PCB and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council. “When the Asia Cup began, social media was filled with boycott campaigns ahead of the match. Considering the pressure, it is no surprise that players were told not to shake hands. But this was no display of sportsman spirit,” Afridi remarked.

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He further stated that Pakistan’s stance was justified and that the ICC needed to take the matter seriously. “I have always said players should be ambassadors of the game, not a source of embarrassment. I don’t entirely blame the Indian cricketers; they were simply following orders from above,” he added.

Afridi’s comments have intensified the already heated debate, ensuring the Asia Cup remains as much about off-field drama as on-field action.