India-Pakistan final: Handshake question returns

India and Pakistan will once again face a decision on whether to shake hands in their Asian Games final cricket match, as no clear guidelines have been established by sporting bodies regarding this tradition. The Indian squad, which defeated Sri Lanka in the semifinals, is set to clash with Pakistan in a contest that transcends the sport itself.

The possibility of a handshake has been a contentious issue in recent years, with Indian players refusing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts since 2021, a move aimed at showing solidarity with the Indian armed forces. This stance is expected to persist in Asian Cricket Council and International Cricket Council events, though its application to the continental Asian Games remains uncertain.

While no formal sporting rules mandate handshakes, they are generally regarded as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship. The IOC, for instance, took action against athletes who refused to shake hands, reprimanding them for breaching the rules of fair play. However, instances of athletes refusing to shake hands due to ongoing conflicts have also been observed.

India's cricket team management will ultimately decide on the handshake issue, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia slated to attend the final. ICC chairman Jay Shah is also expected to be present. Regardless of the handshake, the players are expected to share the podium, just as the women's team did after their gold medal victory earlier in the Games. Both the Indian and Pakistani women's teams finished ahead of Pakistan in their respective tournaments, sharing the podium with their competitors.