Sharjah Asia Cup 2025: India’s Unsporting Conduct Condemned – Cricket Must Stay Political-Free
By Ch Haroon Rashid
The Asia Cup 2025 match at Sharjah saw India defeat Pakistan by 7 wickets. While the match showcased top-level cricketing talent, post-match conduct by the Indian team violated basic sportsmanship norms, overshadowing the spirit of the game.
What Happened in Sharjah
- After the victory, the Indian team deliberately avoided the customary handshake with Pakistan players.
- Pakistan, ready to follow standard protocol, found the gesture denied and skipped the post-match ceremony in response.
- India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, admitted the decision was pre-planned, not spontaneous.
Violation of Sportsmanship
The handshake is a universal symbol of respect and fair play in cricket. By avoiding it, the Indian team turned sport into a political statement, undermining the integrity of the game. Pakistan’s response was a dignified defensive measure, highlighting how serious breaches of etiquette affect international cricket relations.
A Repeated Pattern
Political influence in Indo-Pak cricket is not new:
- Pre-planned ceremonial snubs in past matches.
- Media and public campaigns framing victories as political wins.
- Statements by players or officials turning sport into political theatre.
Globally, even in tense rivalries — such as Israel vs Middle Eastern countries, UK vs Ireland, or USA vs Cuba — teams maintain on-field respect and ceremonial decorum. India’s repeated politicization of cricket against Pakistan stands out as unusual in the world of sports.
ICC Must Ensure Sports Remain Neutral
The International Cricket Council (ICC) should take note and ensure political tensions do not override cricketing norms. Respecting ceremonial protocols and fair play is essential for the integrity of international cricket.
Way Forward
- Respect fundamental norms: Handshakes, presentations, and ceremonies must be upheld.
- Keep politics out of sport: Cricket should remain a neutral platform for competition, not political signaling.
- Governing body enforcement: ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) must reinforce rules to prevent similar incidents in future Indo-Pak matches.
Conclusion
The Sharjah Asia Cup incident is a reminder: cricket must transcend politics and uphold sportsmanship. Deliberate snubs and ceremonial breaches tarnish the game’s image, frustrate players and fans, and set a dangerous precedent. The cricketing world must insist that respect, fair play, and dignity always come first, leaving political differences completely off the field.
