The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially clarified that shaking hands with the opposition is a goodwill gesture, not a mandatory requirement under any cricketing law. This statement comes in the wake of controversy during the Asia Cup 2025, when the Indian team did not shake hands with Pakistan at the toss or after the match, igniting debates over sportsmanship and protocol.
According to the BCCI, the rules of cricket, including the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) official playing conditions, do not prescribe handshakes as a compulsory act. The gesture has traditionally been observed as a mark of respect, camaraderie, and sportsmanship, but it is not legally enforceable. The board emphasized that refusing a handshake does not amount to violating any cricket law, and the Indian team’s actions were entirely within the rules.
The decision by India has been framed as a symbolic and deliberate choice, aligning with national sentiment following recent events, including the Pahalgam attack. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir have publicly stated that the team’s priority is to focus on cricket and honor the sentiments of the nation. The BCCI supports this approach, asserting that the players acted in a manner consistent with their responsibilities while remaining within the boundaries of the law.
While the gesture is customary, the absence of a handshake has led to criticism, particularly from Pakistan’s cricket board and former players who consider it unsportsmanlike. Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, noting that his team was ready to observe the handshake protocol, but the Indian team had already moved off the field. Despite these reactions, the BCCI maintains that no rule was breached.
The clarification also serves to preempt potential disciplinary action from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which oversees the Asia Cup. Any inquiry into the matter would need to recognize that while handshakes are encouraged in the spirit of cricket, they are not compulsory. The BCCI’s stance ensures that India can defend its position legally while navigating the heightened sensitivities surrounding India-Pakistan matches.
This controversy underscores how traditional gestures, while seemingly minor, can take on amplified significance in politically charged environments. The BCCI’s message is clear: adherence to the laws of cricket is paramount, and symbolic gestures like handshakes, while respectful, are not mandatory. The board’s clarification aims to settle debates and assert that India’s players acted within their rights, even as public and international opinions vary.
The situation highlights the challenges teams face in high-profile matches where cricket intersects with national sentiment. For India, the focus remains on performance and maintaining professional conduct while managing external pressures. The BCCI’s statement reinforces that players can honor their duties on the field without being compelled to engage in non-statutory gestures, preserving both their legal and ethical standing.
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