Australian Cricketers Hazlewood and Marsh React to India’s Snub of Pakistan Handshake in Men’s and Women’s Matches – Video Inside
Cricketing tensions rise as Australia gears up for a series against India starting on October 19. This highly anticipated encounter features three ODIs and five T20Is, taking place in Perth. The Australian team is leveraging a recent controversy involving India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2025.
Background of the Handshake Snub
The snub occurred amid significant tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Despite their sporting rivalry, India’s team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, opted not to engage in traditional handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. The incident drew media attention and added to the existing animosity.
In a noteworthy conclusion to the eight-team Asia Cup, India declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who currently serves as both the ACC chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. This refusal underscored the ongoing frictions between the two cricketing nations.
Aussie Players React
As the series approaches, notable Australian cricketers are mocking India’s handshake snub. Prominent players like Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Alyssa Healy, and Glenn Maxwell have all weighed in, utilizing humor to unsettle their upcoming competitors.
- Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head engaged in playful antics, imitating a “finger in the ice cup.”
- Australian spinner Sophie Molineux raised her hand and humorously displayed two middle fingers.
- Throughout the banter, Josh Hazlewood added cheeky commentary, questioning, “What about the shooter?”
This light-hearted exchange was captured in a video segment shared by Kayo Sports, where the mood in the Australian camp was jovial despite the underlying competitive tension.
Australian Squad Update
Looking ahead to the ODIs against India, there are a few changes in the Australian lineup. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have been included in the squad, while Pat Cummins will miss this series due to a back injury.
Other players missing from the first ODI include Adam Zampa and Josh Inglis. The full Australian squad for the upcoming ODIs consists of:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh | Captain |
| Xavier Bartlett | Bowler |
| Alex Carey | Wicketkeeper |
| Cooper Connolly | All-rounder |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Bowler |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Travis Head | Batsman |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper |
| Mitchell Owen | Bowler |
| Matt Renshaw | Batsman |
| Matthew Short | All-rounder |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler |
| Adam Zampa | Bowler |
The excitement surrounding these matches is palpable, with both teams aiming to outplay the other both on and off the field.
