The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally filed a protest with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) following what it described as “unsportsmanlike behaviour” by the Indian team during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match held in Dubai on Saturday night.

Pre- and Post-Match Etiquette Ignored

According to a statement issued on Sunday, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema submitted an official complaint after Indian players allegedly refused to engage in customary handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts—both at the toss and after the match.

Cheema revealed that match referee Andy Pycroft had instructed both captains to skip the pre-match handshake, a move he condemned as “against the spirit of the game,” claiming it set a negative tone from the beginning.

Frosty Conduct Post-Match

After India’s victory, players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube were seen exchanging fist bumps and heading directly to their dugout, avoiding any post-match interaction with Pakistani players. Meanwhile, the Men in Green waited on the field for the traditional handshake, only to witness the Indian squad retreat into their dressing room, closing the door behind them.

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Silent Protest by Pakistan Captain

As a response, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, symbolizing a silent protest against the disrespectful conduct.

Politically Charged Remarks Add Fuel to Fire

Adding to the controversy, Suryakumar Yadav reportedly made politically charged remarks during the post-match presentation—a move the PCB says is in violation of the ICC Constitution. The PCB emphasized that such actions have no place in international cricket, especially in high-profile tournaments like the Asia Cup.

Ongoing Protest and Tournament Implications

The PCB reiterated that its protest is being filed in defense of sportsmanship and expects reciprocal respect and fair conduct from all competing teams. The board confirmed it would continue engaging with the ACC on the matter.

With Pakistan still in contention for the Super Four stage, the incident has intensified the already heated cricketing rivalry, and has set the stage for a potentially charged rematch later in the tournament.