Hockey India Allows Handshakes with Pakistan Players Despite Asia Cup Controversy

Hockey India has taken a clear and contrasting position compared to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid the ongoing "no-handshake" debate.

The federation clarified that it will not impose any restrictions on Indian hockey players from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during international fixtures, reaffirming its commitment to the spirit of sportsmanship and Olympic values.

Hockey India Upholds Sports Values

The clarification came after a controversy erupted during the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, where Indian and Pakistani players shook hands before their match. The gesture sparked reactions because it came shortly after both the men's and women's Indian cricket teams decided to avoid handshakes with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup 2025 and the Women's World Cup 2025, respectively.

"We are not governed by cricket. Whatever the cricketers did, it was their choice. We follow the Olympic Charter and what FIH says. There are no such instructions to avoid handshakes or high-fives from HI," Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh said, as quoted by the Times of India.

'No Restriction on Players,' Says Hockey India

Hockey India reiterated that its players were never instructed to refrain from handshakes with the Pakistan team. The body emphasized that it will continue to follow the guidelines of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which promotes respect and camaraderie between competing sides.

"In future meetings with Pakistan, HI will not give any directions to its players. We will play and look to win," Bhola Nath Singh added.

Contrast with BCCI's No-Handshake Stance

The development stands in stark contrast to the BCCI's approach in recent cricket tournaments. During the Asia Cup 2025, India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha after their match, setting off a wave of debate across sporting and political circles. Following suit, the Indian women's team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, also refrained from the customary handshake during their clash with Pakistan in the Women's World Cup 2025.

These actions prompted a strong response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which reportedly even considered boycotting a future match against India. However, the idea was eventually dropped, and play continued as scheduled.

Hockey India Reaffirms Independence from Cricket Policies

By distancing itself from cricket's political sensitivities, Hockey India has sent a clear message - the federation will continue to operate in alignment with international sporting principles rather than political posturing. The body emphasized that it will remain guided by the Olympic Charter and the FIH Code of Conduct, both of which stress mutual respect and fair play.

With this move, Hockey India has effectively drawn a line between the sporting spirit it upholds and the ongoing controversies surrounding cricketing diplomacy between India and Pakistan.