A video has surfaced showing Australian cricketers mocking India's decision to forego handshakes with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup 2025, adding fuel to the fire ahead of the upcoming ODI series between India and Australia. The Men in Blue are slated to begin their limited-overs tour of Australia on October 19, 2025.
The controversy stems from India's stance during the Asia Cup 2025, where they avoided shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives earlier this year. This attack heightened geopolitical tensions, leading to Operation Sindoor by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terror camps across the border.
The video, shared by Australian broadcaster Kayo Sports, features anchors joking about India's "critical weakness" – their decision to avoid handshakes. In the clip, Mitchell Marsh, Australia's white-ball captain, jokingly imitates a viral on-field moment from teammate Travis Head. Josh Hazlewood then makes a gun-hand gesture, quipping, "What about the shooter?".
The video also shows Australia women's spinner Sophie Molineux mockingly lifting her hands before flashing a blurred-out gesture assumed to be her middle fingers. The video concludes with Marsh, Hazlewood, and Grace Harris laughing, which many perceive as an intentional troll at India's political stand.
The video has sparked backlash online, with many criticizing the Australian players for trivializing a sensitive issue. Some view the gestures as disrespectful to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and insensitive to the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
The incident has added an unexpected layer of tension to the upcoming ODI series between India and Australia, which is scheduled to begin on October 19, 2025. The first ODI will be held in Perth on October 19, followed by the second in Adelaide on October 23, and the third in Sydney on October 25.
In related news, wicketkeeper Josh Inglis and spinner Adam Zampa will miss Australia's first ODI against India in Perth. Inglis is recovering from a calf strain, while Zampa is missing the match for family reasons. Josh Philippe has been added to the squad to keep wickets, and Matt Kuhnemann will replace Zampa. Alex Carey is expected to rejoin the squad for the second ODI in Adelaide.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has also dismissed speculation that the upcoming ODI series against Australia would be the final international appearance for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has outlined his expectations for Kohli and Sharma in the series.
