The recent Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan did more than just settle scores on the cricket field it stirred up tensions off it too. India make loses Pakistan by seven wickets, delivering a strong performance that included dominant spin bowling. But while the scoreboard showed India’s superiority, what followed made headlines for different reasons.

At the toss, the customary handshake didn’t happen: India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha did not shook hands. After the match, too, India didn’t engage in a handshake during post-match formalities. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) alleges that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, instructed the Pakistan captain not to shake hands. That has led to strong reactions.

Pakistan felt this violated the spirit of cricket. They looked formal complaints with the International Cricket Council (ICC), saying that the lack of handshake was unsportsmanlike. The PCB is demanding that Pycroft be removed from his role in the Asia Cup. In fact, they've threatened to withdraw from the rest of the tournament if their demand isn’t met.

It’s more than just a game now. For many in Pakistan, the act or non-act of refusing to shake hands wasn’t just disrespect; it was symbolic. Some believe it reflected broader political tensions, especially considering recent events like the Pahalgam attack and heightened national sentiment on both sides. 

On the other hand, India’s side claims the win was dedicated to victims of terrorism, and some see the handshake issue as being influenced by those same political and emotional undercurrents. Regardless, the situation raises questions: can sport stay separate from politics, especially when everything around it brim with emotion? As the Asia Cup continues, all eyes will be on whether this controversy escalates or cools down.