Asia Cup 2025: “It is one’s personal choice”- Kapil Dev issues strong statement amidst handshake fiasco between India and Pakistan

Kapil Dev while addressing handshake fiasco said that it is small issue.

Kapil Dev, the former captain of India, urged the Pakistan Cricket Team to focus on enhancing their performances instead of becoming embroiled in scandals like the recent handshake incident during the Asia Cup 2025 match against India.  

The 1983 World Cup-winning skipper emphasized that discussions over such gestures simply serve to deflect attention from the actual cricket being played and do little to advance the game.

After Indian players declined to shake hands with Pakistani players prior to and following their recent Asia Cup 2025 encounter in Dubai on Sunday, September 14, Pakistan filed a protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted match-referee Andy Pycroft removed for instructing Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav. Then, after India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets, the Men in Blue players didn’t come out to shake hands with Pakistanis and even shut the doors to the dressing room.

Personal choice to shake hands or hug: Kapil Dev downplays drama created in Asia Cup

PCB was also incensed that Suryakumar Yadav had paid tribute to the Pahalgam terror attack victims and dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces for Operation Sindoor.

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain of India, Kapil Dev, told ANI that these circumstances are frequently exaggerated and that both teams should always keep their true attention on the field of play.

“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. 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,” Kapil told ANI.

Now, the anticipation has grown even higher with Pakistan yet again scheduled to face India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4, on September 21.

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