India’s cricketers refused to shake hands with Pakistan after their first meeting since the conflict between the two nations earlier this year, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson has claimed.
India cruised to a seven-wicket victory at the Asia Cup in Dubai, after which captain Suryakumar Yadav and batting partner Shivam Dube immediately left the field rather than shaking hands in the middle, as is the norm.
Afterwards, Pakistan’s players appeared to walk towards India’s dugout when they left the field but the India players had already returned to the dressing room.
There was also no handshake between Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss.
“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game,” New Zealander Hesson said.
“We were disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that.”
At the post-match presentation, Suryakumar described the win as a “perfect return gift to India”.
After his final question, he added: “We stand by with the victims and families of the terror attack and express our solidarity.
“We want to dedicate today’s win to all of our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery.”
No Pakistan players spoke at the presentation. Hesson later said Agha’s decision not do so was a “flow on” from India not shaking hands.
“We sort of went over there to shake hands and they were already going to the changing room,” Hesson said.
“That was a disappointing way for the match to finish. In a match that we were disappointed in the way we played, but certainly we were willing to go and shake hands.”
