Political cricket Test between India, Pakistan

India and Pakistan’s refusal to shake hands during their Asia Cup cricket matches bent the code of the so-called “gentleman’s game”, as sport once again served as a proxy battlefield.

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Kaur (centre) clashing with India's Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma in the Asia Cup encounter on Sept 21 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the Indians won by six wickets. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS)

The tournament marks the first meeting between the nuclear-armed neighbours since their armies clashed in May — a four-day exchange of artillery, drones and missiles that killed more than 70 people.

The sporting rivals do not play bilateral matches, meeting only at neutral venues during international tournaments.

The handshake snub is the latest example of how cricket mirrors politics between the two countries.

The cricket-mad neighbours have already met twice in the Asia Cup T20 tournament in September, played in the United Arab Emirates as a neutral venue.

On Sept 14, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said his refusal to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart was “aligned with the government” — a move Pakistan said had “disappointed” them.