India succumbed to a 191-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 final held in Dubai. | Photo Credit: ACC Media

The Indian Under-19 cricket team did not take part in the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan following its 191-run defeat in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday.

The Ayush Mhatre-led team had skipped the gesture during the two sides’ group stage encounter as well. There was also no handshake after the toss during the summit clash.

The decision mirrors a recent pattern involving Indian teams in matches against Pakistan. During the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year, Indian players opted out of pre- and post-match handshakes in all three meetings between the sides. The approach was also followed by the Indian women’s team during the Women’s World Cup 2025.

The stance has coincided with heightened political tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed, and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Published on Dec 21, 2025