Johor: Players from India and Pakistan shared handshakes before their Sultan of Johor Cup clash in Malaysia on Sunday — a gesture that broke the recent “no-handshake” trend between the two nations’ cricket teams.
The move came after both India’s men’s and women’s cricket sides refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the Asia Cup and the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Pakistan, currently playing all their matches in Colombo, had earlier lodged a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct and the “Spirit of Cricket” after Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav initiated the non-handshake practice.
However, during the hockey match’s live stream on Ashley Morrison Media’s YouTube channel, several players from both teams were seen exchanging handshakes, signaling a refreshing display of sportsmanship.
The fiercely contested encounter ended in a 3-3 draw, with India remaining unbeaten in the tournament.
In an edge-of-the-seat contest, India bounced back from a two-goal deficit to take the lead, before Pakistan struck late to share the spoils. For India, Araijeet Singh Hundal (43’), Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (47’), and Manmeet Singh (53’) were on target, while Hannan Shahid (5’) and Sufyan Khan (39’, 55’) scored for Pakistan.
India started strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances, including a third-minute penalty corner that went unconverted. But Pakistan capitalized on a counterattack, earning a penalty stroke which captain Hannan Shahid coolly slotted home to give his side an early lead.
Despite India’s aggressive pressing and multiple close chances, the first quarter ended 1-0 in Pakistan’s favour. The second quarter saw India reduced to ten men when Anmol Ekka received a yellow card for a sliding tackle, but the young side held their composure and denied Pakistan further goals before halftime.
Pakistan doubled their lead in the 39th minute through Sufyan Khan, but India mounted a spirited comeback. Araijeet Singh Hundal converted a penalty stroke in the 43rd minute, and just four minutes later, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha equalized with a stunning strike.
Momentum swung India’s way as Manmeet Singh netted in the 53rd minute to make it 3-2, but Pakistan hit back quickly through Sufyan Khan’s second penalty corner conversion.
Both sides pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, but the match concluded in a pulsating 3-3 stalemate.
India will next face Australia on October 15 at 6:05 PM IST.
