BCCI on ‘no handshake’ row: “It’s a goodwill gesture, not a rule”

A senior BCCI official has said there is no law in cricket that forces players to shake hands after a match. The official explained that handshakes are a goodwill practice followed in many sports, but it is not mandatory. With political tensions high, the official added, it made sense for Indian players to avoid handshakes or interactions with Pakistan’s cricketers at the Asia Cup.

India’s players did not shake hands with Pakistan before or after their seven‑wicket win. The team said the choice was a tribute to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and support for the armed forces. Pakistan’s board has complained about the incident and also asked for match referee Andy Pycroft to be removed from the tournament. The BCCI view is simple: if there is no rule, players are not bound to do it—especially when relations are strained.

The official stated: “If you read the rule book, there is no specification about shaking hands with the opposition. It is a goodwill gesture and a convention, not law.” He added that the Indian team is “not bound to shake hands with an opposition with whom there is a history of a strained relationship.”

Pakistan, meanwhile, has alleged a breach of the code and asked for the referee’s removal, claiming he told their captain at the toss not to shake hands with India’s captain. The complaint has been lodged with tournament authorities. Any decision will depend on event protocols and match reports. Handshakes are a custom, not a playing condition.

What the BCCI position means

The board’s stance gives the team clear room to continue without post‑match gestures for the rest of the tournament. It also signals that, while India will play as scheduled, they will keep non‑essential courtesies to a minimum with Pakistan for now. Organisers may adjust ceremony protocols to avoid more flashpoints if the teams meet again.

Why this matters now

• Handshakes are tradition, not a law in the playing conditions.

• India has tied its stance to a tribute and security context, not match play.

• Pakistan has taken the issue to officials; any action would stem from event codes, not a handshake rule.

For the moment, expect India to keep interactions minimal and focus on cricket. If guidance changes from organisers, teams will be informed before future games.