In the electrifying arena of India-Pakistan cricket, where every ball feels like a border skirmish and every run a diplomatic triumph, India’s recent 7-wicket demolition of Pakistan in the Asia Cup was nothing short of a symphony of dominance. Chasing a modest target, India’s batsmen dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack with surgical precision, wrapping up the game with overs to spare.
Virat Kohli’s elegant strokes, Rohit Sharma’s calculated aggression, and a bowling unit that strangled Pakistan’s innings—led by Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal yorkers—reminded the world why India reigns supreme in this rivalry. It was a convincing win, a statement of superiority that should have been the headline. But no, the cricketing gods apparently decreed otherwise, courtesy of a viral “no-handshake” controversy that has turned a sporting spectacle into a soap opera.
Let’s cut through the noise: the controversy stems from footage showing Pakistani players, notably captain Babar Azam, seemingly snubbing handshakes with their Indian counterparts post-match. Social media erupted, with accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct flying faster than a Shaheen Afridi bouncer. Indian fans decried it as sour grapes, while Pakistani supporters spun it as a principled stand against perceived slights. Pundits dissected every pixel, debating if it was intentional rudeness or just exhaustion in the heat of Colombo.
But here’s my sharp take: this no-handshake nonsense is a pathetic distraction, a manufactured storm in a teacup that diminishes the essence of cricket and exposes the fragility of egos in this storied rivalry. And if fingers must be pointed, they should squarely at Pakistan’s camp for letting pettiness eclipse grace in defeat. Sportsmanship isn’t optional; it’s the invisible thread that binds fierce competitors. Remember the 2003 World Cup, when Sachin Tendulkar’s masterclass against Pakistan was followed by mutual respect?
Or the 2011 semi-final, where handshakes flowed despite the heartbreak? These moments elevated the game. In contrast, this snub—if deliberate—reeks of immaturity. Pakistan, reeling from a batting collapse that saw them bundled out cheaply, had every reason to feel the sting. But refusing a handshake? That’s not resilience; that’s resentment. It plays into the toxic narrative that India-Pakistan matches are less about cricket and more about geopolitical grudges. Fans deserve better than players who can’t muster a simple gesture of respect after 100 overs of battle.
Critics might argue that emotions run high in this fixture, laden with history and hype. Fair point—these aren’t just games; they’re national prides on the line. Yet, that’s precisely why leaders like Babar should rise above. As captain, he sets the tone. A handshake doesn’t erase defeat; it humanizes it. India’s players, to their credit, extended hands—literally and figuratively—focusing on the win without the drama. This disparity highlights a broader issue: Pakistan’s cricket has been plagued by inconsistency, and such incidents only fuel perceptions of internal discord.
From selection controversies to coaching upheavals, the team needs introspection, not excuses. The real tragedy? This sideshow has overshadowed India’s brilliance. Their seamers exploited conditions masterfully, spinners bamboozled the middle order, and the chase was a clinic in composure. In an era where T20s dominate, this ODI win reaffirms India’s all-format prowess, positioning them as favorites for upcoming tournaments. Yet, headlines scream “snub” instead of “supremacy.” In the end, cricket’s beauty lies in its ability to transcend borders, fostering unity amid rivalry.
The no-handshake episode undermines that. Pakistan, take note: lose with dignity, or risk alienating the global audience. India, keep dominating—the world is watching, handshakes or not. As for the fans? Demand more from your heroes. This match deserved celebration, not controversy. Let’s move on and let the cricket do the talking.