India-Pakistan Asian Games Final: Handshake Question Looms Again

India will face Pakistan in the Asian Games cricket final on Saturday, with attention once again turning to whether the two teams will exchange handshakes.

India booked their place in the final with a 124-run win over Sri Lanka in the semifinal on Thursday. The clash is expected to renew the debate over India’s no-handshake stance against Pakistan, followed in recent Asia Cup and ICC matches.

Indian players have avoided handshakes with Pakistan counterparts since Operation Sindoor last year, citing solidarity with the Indian armed forces. It remains unclear whether the same approach will apply at an event organised under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

Neither OCA nor International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules make handshakes mandatory, although sportsmanship and fair play are part of Olympic sporting conduct.

Indian athletes competing in table tennis and squash at the ongoing Asian Games have, however, been seen exchanging customary handshakes with Pakistani opponents.

The decision for the cricket final is expected to be taken by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who is set to reach Nagoya for the match. ICC chairman Jay Shah is also expected to attend.

Regardless of the outcome, Indian and Pakistani cricketers will share the podium if both teams finish in the top two, as happened in other sports at the Games.