By The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally broken its silence on the much-talked-about ‘No Handshake’ controversy involving the Indian cricket team, officially lodging a protest against India. The issue, which has created heated debates among fans, analysts, and former cricketers, revolves around claims that Indian players deliberately avoided a post-match handshake with their Pakistani counterparts.
The PCB has now confirmed that it has taken the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), calling the incident “unsporting and against the spirit of cricket.” This move marks the first official statement from Pakistan’s cricket governing body since the controversy began, adding more intensity to the already high-voltage rivalry between India and Pakistan.
What Sparked the ‘No Handshake’ Controversy?
The controversy erupted after the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash during an international tournament. Following the conclusion of the game, several video clips circulated on social media showing Indian players walking past Pakistani cricketers without engaging in the customary handshake.
The handshake, seen as a symbol of mutual respect and sportsmanship, is an integral part of cricket tradition. The absence of it led to massive uproar among fans, with many accusing India of intentionally snubbing Pakistan. Some Indian fans, however, argued that the situation was exaggerated and blamed scheduling constraints or miscommunication.
Nevertheless, the matter gained enough traction that the PCB was compelled to issue a formal complaint.
PCB’s Official Statement
In a strongly worded statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed its disappointment, saying:
“Sportsmanship is the foundation of cricket, and the spirit of the game must be upheld at all times. The actions of the Indian players, whether intentional or otherwise, set a poor precedent. We have officially lodged a protest with the ICC and requested the matter be reviewed.”
The PCB further stressed that such incidents could damage the reputation of cricket as a gentleman’s game and urged the ICC to ensure that players from all nations uphold mutual respect, regardless of political tensions between their countries.
India’s Response
So far, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued an official response to the PCB’s protest. However, sources close to the Indian board reportedly dismissed the accusations, suggesting that the controversy was being blown out of proportion.
Indian cricket insiders maintain that the players’ actions were not meant to disrespect Pakistan but were the result of mismanaged post-match protocols. Still, the lack of clarity has fueled further speculation and criticism.
Fans React on Social Media
Unsurprisingly, the incident has gone viral online, with hashtags like #NoHandshake, #PCBProtest, and #INDvPAK trending across social media platforms.
- Pakistani fans have accused India of unsportsmanlike behavior, demanding accountability from the ICC.
- Indian supporters argue that the PCB is politicizing a trivial issue to gain attention.
- Neutral cricket fans expressed disappointment, saying such controversies take away from the spirit of the game.
The heated online debate shows how deeply cricket matches between India and Pakistan resonate, extending far beyond the boundary ropes.
The Role of the ICC
The ICC now faces the challenge of addressing PCB’s protest. While the governing body typically avoids political disputes between boards, it may be forced to review the footage and assess whether the incident violated its Code of Conduct.
If the ICC acknowledges PCB’s concerns, the Indian team could be asked for clarification or even face warnings. However, many experts believe the ICC will likely handle the matter diplomatically, urging both boards to move forward without escalating tensions.
Why This Matters
Cricket matches between India and Pakistan are more than just sporting events—they are cultural and political spectacles watched by millions worldwide. Every gesture, celebration, or controversy gets magnified, often sparking debates that go beyond cricket
