Hong Kong Sixes: India, Pakistan avoid handshakes amid political tensions
What's the story
India and Pakistan clashed once again on the cricket field, this time at the 2025 Hong Kong Sixes tournament. In a rain-marred clash, the Dinesh Karthik-led India managed to hold their nerve for a narrow victory. Batting first, India scored 86/4 in six overs with Robin Uthappa's blistering 28 off 11 balls. Pakistan later lost by two runs (DLS method). As has been the case in the recent India-Pakistan cricket clashes, both India and Pakistan players snubbed the customary handshakes.
Gesture controversy
No handshakes between Indian and Pakistani players
As per multiple reports, there was no handshake between the Indian and Pakistani players, a trend that started during the Asia Cup 2025. The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20I team had also skipped handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts in all three matches they played. A source told Hindustan Times that "there was no chance of a handshake; we will follow whatever has been the norm." Both India and Pakistan are in the same group of the annual six-a-side competition.
Conflicts
India-Pakistan matches amid political tensionsÂ
India and Pakistan clashed thrice in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup, with the former sealing all three encounters, including the final. The iconic cricketing rivalry endured the heat, ranging from boycott calls to on-field verbal volleys and the subsequent complaints lodged by the two boards. The two countries have been at loggerheads since the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. While India responded by launching Operation Sindoor, Pakistan retaliated with drone attacks.
Trophy
India yet to receive Asia Cup trophy
India are yet to formally receive the 2025 Asia Cup trophy after beating Pakistan in the final. The trophy is presently at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) office in Dubai. This is after the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept it from the ACC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi during the post-match presentation ceremony.