Kapil Dev Backs Government Line on India-Pakistan Handshake Row

Former India captain Kapil Dev has broken his silence on the India Pakistan handshake controversy that overshadowed the latest Asia Cup. He says Indian cricketers have little choice but to follow the government’s position on dealing with Pakistani players. His comments, made to India Today, come amid continuing tension between the two nations.

Trophy Refusal Steals the Spotlight

India secured a record-extending Asia Cup title, but the celebrations were overshadowed by the handshake row. The Indian women’s team declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who heads both the Asian Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board, after beating Sri Lanka in the final. The refusal quickly became the talking point of the tournament, eclipsing the result on the field.

Addressing the episode, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain said that if the government has decided against handshakes with Pakistani players, the cricketers are left without options. “In such matters, players will go by what the government says,” he added.

Call for Humane Treatment of Imran Khan

Kapil Dev also spoke about former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan, who has been held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since 2023. He said Khan deserves humane treatment and called this a basic demand. The remark stands apart from the sporting row but reflects the political climate around it.

The comments arrive against a backdrop of strained sporting ties, with Indian teams avoiding handshakes and trophy presentations involving Pakistani officials at recent Asia Cup events. The issue has also spilled into the build-up to the Asian Games, where questions have been raised about whether Indian cricketers would accept medals from Naqvi and what Olympic Council of Asia rules permit.

With no sign of the tensions easing, the handshake debate is likely to remain a flashpoint whenever India and Pakistan share a stage.