India vs Pakistan - (Source: AFP)In the past year, India-Pakistan relations have sunk to a new low. The geopolitical tensions are at a high, and it has reflected on the game as well. It started during the 2025 Asia Cup, when India shut the dressing room door to the Pakistani team and refused to engage in post-match handshakes.The incident turned into a tradition followed by both the men’s and women’s team. Several pundits across the two nations have dropped their contrasting opinion on the matter. Former Pakistan seamer Wasim Akram is the latest to join the bandwagon and opine on the matter.Wasim Akram Blasts Team India For Refusing HandshakeWasim Akram, who is currently in Canada, spoke to Shaziya Abbas, where he labelled Indian stars as school kids. Akram stated that sports should be kept away from politics and either the teams should not play against each other, or they should shake hands and even accept the trophy.“Look, it's a touchy subject for both sides. I feel they are 5-year-old kids. If you have come, then take the trophy and shake hands or don’t come to play. It's simple math. It's embarrassing for both. Just get on with the game. Shake hands, take the trophy and go home.”“I am sure Indian fans too feel odd. Either don’t come. I hope sanity prevails soon.Why Do Team India Avoid Handshakes With the Pakistan Team?As mentioned above, the geo-political tensions between the two countries are at an all-time high. In April 2025, Pakistan sponsored a terrorist attack in Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead. It led to a retaliatory response from India, following which a war-like situation broke out between India and Pakistan.ALSO READPakistan’s Test tour of Australia In Next WTC AnnouncedThe two nations announced a ceasefire, but India were supposed to play Pakistan in Asia Cup, because if they refused, it would have been considered a forfeit and the match would have been awarded to Pakistan.Therefore, India played the game, but the management decided to honour the armed forces by not shaking hands with the Pakistani team. Meanwhile, not taking trophy from Mohsin Naqvi happened because the PCB chairman made derogatory and anti-India remarks. It is the same reason why the Indian women recently refused to take the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi.ALSO READYashasvi Jaiswal’s Wicket-Keeping Ambitions Confirmed By Mumbai Captain
