• Home
  • Cricket News
  • From Kohli Ganguly To Naagin Derby Instances When Players Refused To Shake Hands

From Kohli-Ganguly To Naagin Derby: Instances When Players Refused To Shake Hands

Soumyajit Dutta

Instances When Players Refused To Shake Hands [Source: Screengrabs]Instances When Players Refused To Shake Hands [Source: Screengrabs]

Cricket is a game of sportsmanship, and the very spirit of it imbues the 'gentleman's' nature. However, there have been instances where the spirit of the game transcends and goes blind in front of self-respect, ego clashes and a nation's pride.

While India and Pakistan got involved in a massive spat after the no-handshake row in the Asia Cup, there have been other instances too when cricket teams or players refused to shake hands with their counterparts. Here's a look at some of those infamous incidents.

1) No Handshake In India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Clash

In Dubai, the India–Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash sparked headlines beyond cricket. After India’s win, skipper Suryakumar Yadav walked straight off the field with Shivam Dube, refusing to shake hands with Pakistan’s team. Even at the toss, the captains had avoided a handshake, setting the tone for what was to come. 

Captains refusing to shake hands at the toss [Source: @khayali_pulao/X.com]Captains refusing to shake hands at the toss [Source: @khayali_pulao/X.com]

The Indian side later explained their stand, pointing to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. 

"I just wanted to say something. I think it is a perfect occasion to take the time out. We stand by with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and we express our solidarity. Most important thing for me, we want to dedicate this win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery," Suryakumar said after the match. 

The move triggered sharp reactions, with the Pakistan Cricket Board filing a complaint with the ACC and ICC and issuing threats to withdraw from the tournament.

2) Scotland Boycott Lamichhane (2023)

In Kirtipur, a tense moment unfolded after Scotland’s match against Nepal. As players lined up for the customary handshake, the Scottish team shook hands with every Nepal cricketer except Sandeep Lamichhane. 

Scotland avoids Lamichhane [Source: @arami_baig/X.com]Scotland avoids Lamichhane [Source: @arami_baig/X.com]

The gesture was a silent protest against his inclusion, as Lamichhane is currently out on bail in a sexual coercion case involving a minor. Scotland’s move followed Namibia’s earlier protest, where their players fist-bumped Nepal instead of shaking hands. 

The incident reignited debate over whether players facing serious criminal charges should be allowed on the field. While Nepal celebrated the contest, the silent boycott by Scotland drew global attention.

3) Virat Kohli Avoids Sourav Ganguly (IPL 2023)

A long-standing rift between two Indian cricket legends spilled into the spotlight during an IPL clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals. After the match, cameras caught Virat Kohli walking past DC’s Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, without offering a handshake. 

ganguly and Kohli avoids handshake [Source: @akash_forall/X.com]ganguly and Kohli avoids handshake [Source: @akash_forall/X.com]

The snub was widely linked to their fallout over Kohli’s removal as India’s captain during Ganguly’s tenure as BCCI president. The moment quickly went viral, fueling debates about their fractured relationship and dominating sports headlines. 

4) Sri Lanka Refuses To Shake Hands With Bangladesh (World Cup 2023)

In a highly charged World Cup 2023 encounter, Sri Lanka’s players refused to shake hands with Bangladesh after their three-wicket loss, sparking widespread controversy. The tension had built throughout the match, starting with verbal exchanges between Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis and Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and intense stare-downs between Charith Asalanka and the Bangladesh bowlers. 

Sri Lanka players avoiding Bangladesh players [Source: @ekta_pramaan/X.com]Sri Lanka players avoiding Bangladesh players [Source: @ekta_pramaan/X.com]

The situation escalated when Angelo Mathews became the first player in international cricket to be given out “timed out” in the 25th over. Mathews, visibly angry, argued that he had reached the crease in time and that a helmet strap malfunction should have been considered. 

Despite Mathews’ efforts with the ball, including dismissing Shakib Al Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto in consecutive overs, Bangladesh’s middle and lower order held firm to seal the win. Sri Lanka’s decision to walk off without handshakes reflected their frustration over the controversial dismissal and the loss.