The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has once again come under the spotlight following the continuation of the no-handshake protocol between the two teams. The practice, which began during the 2025 Asia Cup, has since been seen across several competitions involving India and Pakistan. Former India captain Kapil Dev has now shared his view, saying Indian cricketers would have to follow any decision taken by the government on interactions with Pakistani players.
Kapil’s comments came shortly after India’s women’s team won the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final in Dubai. The post-match presentation became another point of controversy after India did not accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi. The presentation was subsequently completed without the Indian players receiving the trophy from Naqvi.
Speaking to India Today, Kapil Dev said players have limited control over such decisions when they are based on government policy. “If the government has taken a decision not to shake hands with Pakistani players, then the players have no choice. In such matters, players will go by what the government says,” Kapil Dev told India Today.
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The no-handshake practice first became prominent during the 2025 Asia Cup. India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha did not exchange handshakes during the toss or after their matches in the tournament. The practice subsequently continued in other India-Pakistan fixtures.
The protocol has not been limited to senior men’s cricket. India and Pakistan also continued the no-handshake practice during the Under-19 World Cup in 2026. The same approach was visible during their T20 World Cup meetings, including the women’s tournament.
The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup trophy presentation has added another layer to the India-Pakistan cricket relationship. India’s men’s team did not collect the 2025 Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi, while the women’s team also did not accept the 2026 trophy from him after winning the title. The latest incident led to a delayed presentation ceremony in Dubai, while India celebrated its eighth Women’s Asia Cup title separately.
Kapil Dev also addressed the situation involving former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned in Pakistan. The former India captain called for humane treatment and basic medical care for the World Cup-winning Pakistan skipper. “Imran Khan deserves humane treatment. That is our basic demand,” Kapil Dev said.
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Kapil’s comments come at a time when cricket between India and Pakistan continues to operate against the backdrop of broader diplomatic tensions. While the two teams continue to meet in multinational tournaments, customary interactions such as handshakes and trophy presentations have come under heightened scrutiny.
For the players, however, the focus remains on competing whenever the teams meet on the cricket field, while decisions surrounding official protocols continue to involve cricket administrators and, where applicable, government positions.
