Former India captain Kapil Dev has urged the Pakistan cricket team to focus on improving their game rather than getting distracted by off-field controversies such as the recent handshake incident with India during the Asia Cup 2025. The 1983 World Cup-winning skipper emphasised that such matters only create unnecessary noise and take the spotlight away from cricket itself.

Speaking to ANI, Kapil Dev noted that the issue had been blown out of proportion. “These are small things. Players should focus on cricket. If someone doesn’t want to shake hands, it should not become a big issue. Personal choices like shaking hands or hugging don’t impact the game. Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on their performance rather than giving statements that cause controversy,” he said.

The drama began on September 14, during the toss of the India vs Pakistan clash, when India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha.

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The gesture continued post-match as well, drawing sharp reactions from Pakistan. Suryakumar later clarified that “some things in life are bigger than sporting spirit,” dedicating India’s victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the armed forces.

Pakistan’s response was immediate. Captain Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest, while the PCB filed a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of mishandling the situation. The board even demanded his removal and threatened to withdraw from the tournament.

However, the ICC stood firm, rejecting PCB’s requests and retaining Pycroft as referee. The controversy only settled after PCB claimed Pycroft had apologised for a “miscommunication.” Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with former chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, announced in a press conference that Pakistan’s “honour had been preserved,” shortly after their crucial win over the UAE that confirmed their Super Four qualification. 

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With the dust yet to fully settle, all eyes are now on the upcoming India vs Pakistan Super Four clash on September 21. While the cricketing rivalry remains as fierce as ever, Kapil Dev’s reminder underlines a vital truth—matches are won with bat and ball, not with off-field controversies.