India and Pakistan locked horns for the second time in the Asia Cup 2025, this time in a charged Super Four clash at Dubai. With the political backdrop and sporting rivalry intertwining, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Yet again, the outcome followed a familiar script — India registered a convincing six-wicket victory, extending their dominance over their arch-rivals.
The shadow of the Pahalgam terror attack continues to loom large over the tournament. Ever since the incident, the Indian team has taken a firm stance of avoiding formal gestures with Pakistan on the field. This was evident in their earlier group-stage encounter when Indian players chose to head straight to the dressing room rather than shake hands with the opposition, a move that sparked widespread debate and controversy.
The same sentiment resurfaced during the Super Four clash on September 21. Tilak Varma, who sealed the win with a boundary, made his way directly to the pavilion without glancing at the Pakistani players. His action reflected the team’s continued resolve to maintain distance from their rivals, even in moments of triumph.
After owning Pakistani jokers Tilak Varma walked straight towards the dressing room, but Hardik Pandya shook hands with the match official in front of the Pakistani players and said like We don’t shake hands with jokers.😂#INDvsPAK
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) September 22, 2025
Hardik Pandya showing aukat to jokers of Pak🤡 pic.twitter.com/zTcMPThRSR
However, what caught even more attention was the gesture by Hardik Pandya. Instead of ignoring everyone, he approached the on-field umpire, shook hands respectfully, and then walked away without acknowledging the Pakistani cricketers. This selective handshake further highlighted India’s dual approach — respecting the match officials while deliberately snubbing their opponents.
The act instantly became one of the talking points of the game. Social media buzzed with clips of Pandya’s handshake, many calling it a bold statement of intent. For fans, it wasn’t just another cricket match but yet another chapter in a rivalry where national sentiment and sporting drama continue to collide on the biggest stage.