Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has slammed India for violating the spirit of sportsmanship during the 2025 Asia Cup in September. The Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan cricketers, a stance which is repeated throughout the tournament.
During the match between two arch-rivals, Haris Rauf celebrated a wicket with a "jet crashing" gesture, and Shaibzada Farhan also mimicked firing a rifle.
These gestures were seen as disrespectful, given the tense bilateral relations between the two nations. The ICC also took action under its code of conduct, issuing fines and warnings.
Speaking at a media interaction in Lahore on Wednesday, fast bowler Shaheen accused India of violating sportsmanship during the 2025 Asia Cup matches.
"People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship. Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our focus. We will try to respond on the field," Shaheen said.
His comments added intrigue to the much-anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place in Colombo on February 15.
The Men in Blue defeated Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup in Dubai and refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Naqvi also serves as Pakistan's interior minister and insisted on presenting the trophy himself, but the Indian players didn't move from their places. He reportedly exited with the trophy, which is still in his possession, while Suryakumar and Co. celebrated without it.
Former West Indies captain Jason Holder talked about the strained bilateral ties between India and Pakistan and said that he doesn't like this whole beef.
"Seeing how it goes far beyond the cricket field is just sad, because these are two powerhouses of world cricket," he told the Willow by Cricbuzz podcast. Both teams have not played any bilateral cricket against each other since the 2012–13 season.
