Shreyas Iyer Ignores Sahibzada Farhan To Skip Handshake [Source: X]The Asian Games 2026 final Gold Medal match went underway at Nisshin with India taking on arch-rivals Pakistan. However, at the toss, Shreyas Iyer blatantly ignored Sahibzada Farhan for a customary handshake and walked away.India and Pakistan renewed their age-old rivalry in the Asian Games 2026 Gold Medal game. While the faces were new, the pressure was the same.India skips handshake with Pakistan in Asian GamesMeanwhile, at the toss, India captain Shreyas Iyer walked out while Sahibzada Farhan represented Pakistan as skipper. Iyer won the toss and opted to bat first.However, after the toss, Iyer looked away from Farhan as the duo skipped the customary handshake gesture. Both teams, thus, continued the trend of non-engagement that has been in practice since 2025.Watch the video below:Anil Bansal @dilseanilbansal TOSS DONE. GOLD MEDAL BATTLE BEGINS! 🇮🇳🇵🇰🥇 India win the toss and choose to bat first against Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. No more build-up. No more waiting. 20 overs. One gold medal. India vs Pakistan. 🇮🇳 India will Oct 3, 2026, 9:35 AM Importantly, Asian Games 2026 officials didn’t intervene in this drama, as in-game handshakes are customary and not a mandatory rule. Hence, India is allowed to practice whatever they deem is right.Also Read - [Watch] Saim Ayub Mocks Vaibhav Sooryavanshi With 'Babysitting' GestureWhen did the ‘no handshake’ policy start?The seed of the ‘no handshake’ policy between India and Pakistan dates back to the 2025 Asia Cup, when both teams stopped exchanging the customary handshake at the toss and after matches.Things escalated when India even refused to accept the winners' trophy from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was also ACC chief at that time. And to avenge the humiliation, Naqvi confiscated the trophy.Having said that, the no-handshake policy has continued in several subsequent India-Pakistan cricket encounters, including women's and junior competitions. It erupted after the deterioration in India-Pakistan relations following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military escalation.The BCCI also have no say in this handshake policy, as the mandate was issued by the Indian government itself. Hence, Indian players are expected to continue this trend going forward as they’ll next face Pakistan in the 2027 ODI World Cup.Also Read - India Smash Their 2nd Fastest Team 50s In T20Is As Pakistan Taken To Cleaners
