PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi sides with India, endorses no-handshake policy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that Pakistan are not concerned by India’s no-handshake approach in recent matches, including the Asia Cup 2025. The PCB chief said that Pakistan’s teams will continue to stand their ground against India regardless of attitude or off-field dynamics.

Since September, India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams have chosen not to shake hands with Pakistan after international matches. The gesture was first seen during the men’s Asia Cup, led by Suryakumar Yadav. Following that, the Indian women’s team adopted the same approach during the ODI World Cup.

India’s U19 men’s side continued the no-handshake policy during the Asia Cup earlier this month. The gesture was meant to show solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

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Sarfaraz Must Have Told You What Kind of Attitude Was Shown - Mohsin Naqvi

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan have no plans to push India into gestures like handshakes. He stated that Pakistan would keep cricket separate from politics, adding that the game should be played without external influences.

"Our belief remains the same even today, and believe me, the Prime Minister himself has told me twice that we shouldn't let politics come into all of this,” Naqvi said in a press conference in Lahore.

"From day one, our stance has been that cricket and politics should remain separate. On that day, Sarfaraz must have told you what kind of attitude was shown, and what it was like," he added.

We Have No Particular Desire To Do So - Mohsin Naqvi

Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan accept whatever approach India choose to follow, but added that there will be no one-sided compromises. He added that this balanced stance is not temporary and will remain Pakistan’s approach in future encounters as well.

"If they don't want to shake hands, then we have no particular desire to do so either. Whatever happens, it will happen on an equal footing with India. And you will see, this approach will continue going forward. It's not possible for them to do one thing and for us to back down - that simply won't happen," Naqvi added.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Remarks Come After Tense U19 Asia Cup Final

Naqvi’s remarks came days after Pakistan’s win over India in the U19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan won by a huge 191-run margin to lift their second U19 Asia Cup title. Notably, the match was filled with tension and heated moments.

Pakistan fast bowler Ali Raza was involved in brief exchanges with Indian captain Ayush Mhatre and later with Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After the match, Pakistan U19 mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed criticised the Indian players, calling some of their actions unethical.

According to reports, Naqvi considered taking the issue to the International Cricket Council. Before the tournament, the ICC had already asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India to rethink its no-handshake policy at the junior level, but the Indian board chose to continue with it.

Naqvi himself has also been involved in past controversies. During the senior Asia Cup final, he left with the trophy after India declined to receive it from him in his role as ACC chairman.

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