Months after the incident, actor Kumail Nanjiani has voiced his disappointment regarding the Indian cricket team's refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani team following their Asia Cup match in September 2025. Nanjiani, who grew up in Pakistan, described the gesture as "such a shame," lamenting the intrusion of politics into sports.
The incident occurred after India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in a Group A game on September 15, 2025. India chased down a target of 128 runs. After the match, the Indian team allegedly broke with the customary post-match handshake. According to reports, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked directly to the dressing room, while Pakistani players, including captain Salman Ali Agha, waited for the gesture. It was also reported that the captains avoided eye contact and handshakes before the coin toss.
Nanjiani shared his views during a YouTube conversation with actor Hasan Minhaj. He emphasized that sports should be a unifying force, a space where political differences are set aside. "India refused to shake hands with the Pakistan team and I find that to be such a shame because sport is the one time when we can actually put everything aside and play," Nanjiani stated. He expressed that the lack of a handshake was "very sad" and a missed opportunity for unity.
Nanjiani reflected on the historical context of India-Pakistan cricket matches, recalling a time when a sense of brotherhood and mutual respect defined these encounters. He noted that despite political tensions between the two countries, the people shared a common culture, language, and heritage. He feels that this dynamic has changed in recent years, with heightened nationalism and antagonism influencing both Indian and Pakistani cinema and, seemingly, sports.
Nanjiani also spoke about the personal impact of the strained relations, recalling moments of fear and sadness for his family in Karachi when tensions escalated between the two nations. He argued that both Indian and Pakistani cinema today appear more driven by nationalism and antagonism, a trend he believes is unhelpful. Nanjiani contrasted the current atmosphere with the past when there was genuine respect between the athletes. He clarified that it wasn't the case, explaining that the players actually respected one another.
The Indian cricket team's handshake snub has been widely interpreted as a reflection of the strained political relations between India and Pakistan. The incident sparked considerable debate among fans and commentators, with many viewing it as a political statement extending beyond the sports field. Nanjiani's critique underscores a longing for sportsmanship to transcend political divides, highlighting the incident as a poignant moment in the ongoing complex relationship between India and Pakistan.
