The Indian U-19 cricket team was defeated by a massive margin of 191 runs in the final match of U-19 Asia Cup 2025 held in Dubai on Sunday. After the shocking defeat the Indian Team stayed on its firm stand and decided not to shake hands with Pakistan.
This is not the first time that this has happened, as this team, under Ayush Mhatre, had boycotted a handshake in their group match against Pakistan as well. Interestingly, there was no handshake even before a start of a match that is a summit clash.
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This was an extension of a practice that has been employed by Indian teams in recent encounters between the two nations. Earlier this year, the Indian national team has not exchanged handshakes before and after all three encounters between the two nations at the ICC Men's Asia Cup. This was also replicated during the encounter between the women’s national team and Pakistan at the Women’s World Cup 2025.
Such measures are coming against the background of increasing political tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgan terror attack that left 26 people dead and the subsequent operation Sindoor.
Also Read: IND U-19 vs PAK U-19, Asia Cup Final: India face crushing defeat as Pakistan win by 191 runs
During the medal presentation ceremony, Indian players were awarded their second-position medals by Mr. Mubassir Usmani, Chairman of ICC Associate Members. However, Pakistani players received their medals of victory, which are the winners’ medals, from ACC Chairman and PCB President, Mohsin Naqvi. Later, Naqvi formally handed over the satellite trophy of the U-19 Asia Cup to the captain of the team, occasioning celebrations among the team members.