Indian women’s cricket team allrounder Deepti Sharma has weighed in on the ongoing handshake controversy that erupted after India’s dominant win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The post-match drama, which saw Indian players walking off without the customary handshake, has sparked widespread debate across cricketing circles, with fans and experts divided over whether the gesture was a deliberate snub or a spontaneous oversight.
Deepti, known for her calm demeanor and sportsmanship, addressed the issue during a media interaction in Bengaluru, where she was attending a promotional event for the upcoming Women’s T20 Challenger Series. Her comments added a fresh layer of perspective to the heated debate, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and emotional maturity in high-pressure matches.
Deepti Sharma’s Statement: ‘Handshake Is a Symbol, But Respect Is Deeper’
Speaking to reporters, Deepti said:
“Handshake is a symbol of sportsmanship, but respect goes beyond gestures. If emotions run high, it’s important to reflect and reset. I believe both teams should uphold the spirit of the game, especially in matches that carry so much weight.”
She added that while she wasn’t present at the men’s match, she understood how intense the India-Pakistan rivalry can be and urged players on both sides to maintain composure and dignity.
Timeline of the Handshake Controversy
| Time | Event Description |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2025 | India defeats Pakistan by 7 wickets in Asia Cup |
| Post-match | Indian players walk off without handshakes |
| Pakistan reaction | Captain Salman Agha skips press conference |
| PCB response | Formal protest lodged with ACC |
| Deepti Sharma’s comment | September 16, 2025 – calls for mutual respect |
The incident has since dominated headlines, with social media users, former cricketers, and commentators offering varied interpretations.
Match Summary: India vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2025
| Team | Innings Score | Top Performer | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 127/9 (20 overs) | Shaheen Afridi – 2 wickets | Lost by 7 wickets |
| India | 128/3 (15.3 overs) | Suryakumar Yadav – 47* | Won |
India’s commanding performance was overshadowed by the post-match tension, which many felt detracted from the spirit of the game.
Deepti Sharma’s Career and Reputation for Sportsmanship
Deepti Sharma has long been regarded as one of India’s most disciplined and respectful players. Her on-field conduct, especially during high-stakes matches, has earned her praise from teammates and opponents alike.
| Career Stats (T20I) | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 95 |
| Runs Scored | 1,120 |
| Wickets Taken | 102 |
| Best Bowling | 4/10 |
| Notable Achievement | First Indian woman to score 1000+ runs and take 100+ wickets in T20Is |
Her balanced approach to competition and camaraderie makes her voice particularly relevant in moments of controversy.
Expert Reactions to the Handshake Incident
| Name | Comment |
|---|---|
| Harsha Bhogle | “A handshake is a small gesture, but it speaks volumes.” |
| Shoaib Akhtar | “Pakistan deserved respect, even in defeat.” |
| Sanjay Manjrekar | “India’s dominance shouldn’t come at the cost of sportsmanship.” |
| Mithali Raj | “Deepti’s words are a reminder of what cricket stands for.” |
The cricketing fraternity has largely echoed Deepti’s sentiment, calling for reflection and restraint.
Social Media Sentiment: Divided Opinions
| Platform | Trending Hashtag | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | #HandshakeGate | Mixed |
| #SpiritOfCricket | Supportive | |
| #DeeptiSpeaks | Positive | |
| YouTube | Post-match reactions | Viral |
While some fans defended the Indian team’s actions as emotional spontaneity, others criticized the lack of courtesy.
PCB’s Formal Protest and ACC’s Response
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), citing “unsporting behavior” and requesting an inquiry into the incident.
| PCB Complaint Details | Status |
|---|---|
| Filed With | ACC |
| Nature of Complaint | Post-match conduct |
| Requested Action | Review of match protocol |
| ACC Response | Under review |
The ACC is expected to issue a statement ahead of the next Super Four fixture.
India’s Next Match and Focus on Team Discipline
India is scheduled to face Sri Lanka in their next Asia Cup fixture. Team management has reportedly addressed the issue internally, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum regardless of match outcomes.
| Upcoming Fixture | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Four Match | Sri Lanka | September 19, 2025 | Abu Dhabi |
Sources close to the team suggest that players have been reminded of the symbolic value of post-match gestures and the need to represent the country with grace.
Conclusion: Deepti Sharma’s Call for Respect Resonates Beyond the Controversy
Deepti Sharma’s thoughtful response to the India vs Pakistan handshake controversy offers a much-needed reminder of cricket’s deeper values. In a sport often defined by fierce rivalries and emotional highs, her words underscore the importance of mutual respect, humility, and perspective.
As the Asia Cup progresses, the focus must shift back to the game itself—its brilliance, unpredictability, and ability to unite fans across borders. Deepti’s voice, grounded in experience and empathy, may well be the guiding light cricket needs in moments of discord.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified news sources, and expert commentary. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute sports betting or diplomatic advice. All figures and developments are subject to change based on future matches and official statements.
