From handshakes to headlines: Two decades of India-Pakistan cricket controversies

India and Pakistan not only share a troubled border history but their cricketing contests too have often been marred by controversies. From political disputes and security concerns to on-field altercations and off-field remarks, the rivalry has rarely been without incident over the past 20 years.

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Adding to the tension, former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf sparked outrage recently by calling India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav a “pig” on live television. Just days later, on 14 September, the Asia Cup Super Four match in Colombo saw controversy after Indian players were accused on social media of avoiding post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. Officials later clarified it was a misunderstanding linked to rain delays, but the episode reflected how even minor gestures become flashpoints in Indo-Pak cricket.

September 2023 – Handshake row in Colombo

During the Asia Cup Super Four clash in Colombo on September 14, videos surfaced of Indian players not lining up for post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. Social media amplified the incident, sparking heated debate. Officials from both boards later clarified it as a misunderstanding linked to rain interruptions, but the episode reflected how even small gestures are scrutinised in Indo-Pak encounters.

2023 – Asia Cup hosting dispute

The tournament itself was preceded by a major row after India declined to travel to Pakistan. The Asian Cricket Council resolved the deadlock by adopting a hybrid model, staging most matches in Sri Lanka. In response, Pakistan hinted at boycotting the ODI World Cup in India later that year before eventually taking part.

2016 – World T20 security shift

The ICC World T20 fixture between India and Pakistan was moved from Dharamsala to Kolkata following protests by ex-servicemen’s groups and security concerns. The shift highlighted how political sensitivities consistently shape bilateral cricket.

2012–13 – Political protests during Pakistan tour of India

Pakistan’s short limited-overs tour of India in 2012–13 was met with widespread protests. Political groups demanded cancellation of the series, citing terrorism concerns, leading to heightened security around venues.

2011 – Diplomacy at Mohali semifinal

The high-stakes World Cup semifinal in Mohali drew political attention after Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani attended together. While praised as “cricket diplomacy” by some, others criticised the political overtones overshadowing the sport.

2010 – Spot-fixing scandal casts shadow

In England, Pakistani players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were found guilty of spot-fixing. Though not against India, the scandal tainted perceptions of Pakistan cricket and cast a shadow over subsequent Indo-Pak contests.

2008 – Mumbai attacks freeze cricketing ties

The November 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai led India to cancel its scheduled tour of Pakistan. Bilateral cricket was suspended, with the two sides meeting only in ICC and ACC events for years afterwards.

2007 – Gambhir-Afridi altercation

During an ODI in Kanpur, Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi engaged in a heated exchange after colliding while running between the wickets. The spat underlined the intensity of on-field battles between the two nations.

2006 – Ball-tampering suspicion clouds series

In the wake of umpire Darrell Hair’s ball-tampering allegations against Pakistan in a series against England, India’s tour of Pakistan was played under heightened scrutiny. Reverse swing deliveries from Pakistani pacers came under suspicion, raising tensions.

2003 – World Cup confrontation in South Africa

The group-stage clash at the ICC World Cup was marred by off-field controversy, as Pakistani players alleged provocative remarks from sections of Indian fans and media. The incident added to the charged atmosphere of one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.