‘Some cricketers give statements that become controversial’: Kapil Dev on India-Pak handshake row

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Indian players refusing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the Asia Cup 2025 match.

“These are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides… It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial,” Kapil said.

He added, “Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it… It is one's personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug…”

India’s decision to refrain from shaking hands was linked to the strained relations between the two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 tourists.

After the match, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav explained the team’s stance, saying, “I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. I have told it at the presentation as well. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We stand with their families also and express our solidarity.”

He added, “As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. As they continue to inspire us all, we will try our best to, whenever given the opportunity, inspire them as well if possible.”

The row escalated after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint against Asia Cup 2025 match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC laws relating to the spirit of cricket.