Pakistan lodge protest with ACC after Indian players refuse post-match handshake

Following the Indian players' refusal for a post-match handshake after their Asia Cup match, the Pakistan cricket team lodged a protest with the Asian Cricket Council. The team has labelled the behaviour of the Men in Blue as "unsporting", suggesting that they are escalating the tension between both sides.

In a statement late on Sunday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said India's actions were against the spirit of the game after the Suryakumar Yadav-led unit clinched a seven-wicket win.

"Team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a strong protest against Indian players' behaviour of not shaking hands. It was deemed as unsporting and against the sport of the game. As a protest we did not send our captain to the post match ceremony," read a PCB statement.

Both teams are set to meet again twice for the remainder of the tournament.

Suryakumar had earlier revealed that the decision to not shake hands with the opposition was the Indian team's way of showing solidarity with the families of the Pahalgam terrorist attack victims. The recent attack resulted in the death of twenty six Indian tourists and prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor in retaliation. 

"We took a team call. We had come only to play. We had given them a reply. Some things are beyond sportsmanship. We dedicate this victory to our armed forces who took part in 'Operation Sindoor' and stand with families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack," said Suryakumar after the win.

It was the first time since the attack in Kashmir that the cricket rivals faced each other for a match.

Even at the toss, Suryakumar did not interact or shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha, which also did not sit well with the Pakistan team management. 

After the match, Salman boycotted the presentation ceremony.

"We wanted to shake hands but disappointed that the opposition didn't do that. Disappointed with the way we played, but we wanted to shake hands," Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said later.

"Salman not coming for the post-match presentation was cause and effect after what happened," he added.

Regarding the incident at the toss, the PCB added: "The match referee Andy Pycroft had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart. The Pakistan team management has lodged a protest, calling the behaviour against the spirit of sports."
(With inputs from PTI)