Afghanistan is reportedly set to restrict its cricket engagements with Pakistan exclusively to official ICC tournaments, and will cease the traditional post-match handshake exchanges as diplomatic tensions and sporting controversies escalate between the two nations. This signals a significant cooling of bilateral relations in cricket, reflecting broader regional disputes and recent events that have affected sportsmanship protocols.
Background of the Decision
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed that only ICC-sanctioned events, such as World Cups and Champions Trophies—will feature direct cricket encounters between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with bilateral or friendly series suspended until further notice.
Recent months have seen heightened tensions after handshake controversies at the Asia Cup 2025, where the customary gesture was withheld in matches involving Pakistan and neighboring countries, sparking protests and threats of withdrawal from tournaments.
These decisions are viewed as mirroring deteriorating diplomatic and political ties, underscored by security concerns and cross-border incidents between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
No Handshake Protocol
- The new stance specifically rules out handshakes between Afghan and Pakistani cricketers, including during ICC events, marking a departure from cricket’s long-standing tradition of post-match handshakes and exchanges.
- This move echoes actions witnessed in other fixtures, where handshakes were omitted due to government advisories or to express solidarity over sensitive issues.
Implications
- These developments highlight the impact of political friction on cricketing ties and may affect the spirit and optics of the game during international tournaments.
- The ICC and Asian Cricket Council are monitoring the situation as both boards continue to negotiate participation rules and event protocols.
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Afghanistan’s decision is unprecedented and is part of a broader pattern of altered cricket diplomacy in South Asia, with sports becoming a platform for conveying political stances and solidarity messages.
