“Might as well not play”: Azharuddin’s blunt take on the India–Pakistan handshake row

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has cut through the noise around the handshake controversy with a straight message: play the match in full spirit or don’t play at all. He said there was nothing wrong with shaking hands and warned that playing under protest makes little sense. His remarks arrive as the build-up to India vs Pakistan is again dominated by off-field talk rather than cricket.

Azharuddin’s clear message

Azharuddin said too much is being made of a post‑match gesture and that once a team agrees to play, it should do so fully and without protests. He added that traditional courtesies like handshakes are part of the game and questioned why they should be skipped at all. His point was simple: if the decision is to play an ICC or Asia Cup match, then compete with full intensity and leave no room for symbolic battles.

Nikhil Chopra’s different view

Former India all-rounder Nikhil Chopra suggested the no‑handshake might have come from heated on‑field exchanges in the last match. He said a verbal spat could have influenced the call and that such incidents can disturb players’ focus. He also cautioned that threatening boycotts at multi-national events brings penalties and rarely helps the cricket.

Why does this row keep growing

India and Pakistan do not play bilateral series, so every meeting at ICC or Asia Cup events carries extra weight. Emotions are high, and small gestures get big attention. After India’s last win, the no‑handshake overshadowed the cricket, drew official complaints, and set off a chain of reactions. With another match coming up, the spotlight is again on how players and officials handle the little moments before and after the game.

What matters for the rematch

• Keep focus on cricket: Both teams will try to reduce distractions and let the cricket speak.

• Presentation and post‑match protocol: Every word and gesture will be watched closely.

• Leadership tone: Captains and coaches will set the mood by keeping comments calm and game-focused.

Bottom line

Azharuddin’s stance is firm: either play fully, with respect for the game’s customs, or don’t take the field. Chopra accepts there may have been context but still argues that protests are not wise in big tournaments. As the teams prepare again, the best outcome for fans and players is a hard, clean contest—and fewer headlines about handshakes.