Why Haryana Steelers Refused Handshakes After Losing to Dabang Delhi

Dabang Delhi K.C. narrowly defeated Haryana Steelers 38-37 in Match 54 of PKL 12 at Chennai’s SDAT Stadium. Ashu Malik starred with a Super 10 in his 100th PKL appearance, while Vinay scored 18 points in a late Steelers comeback. Frustrated by the referee’s controversial decisions, Haryana Steelers refused to shake hands for the first time this season.

Being the first time in PKL 12 history, no handshakes were exchanged after a closely contested match between Dabang Delhi K.C. and Haryana Steelers at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Dabang Delhi eked out a narrow 38-37 victory over the defending champions, but the post-match incident drew as much attention as the thrilling contest itself. The Haryana Steelers refused to shake hands with Dabang Delhi, protesting a controversial decision by the referee that influenced the outcome in the final moments.

The match had been intense from the start, with both teams trading points raid for raid. Dabang Delhi, led by Ashu Malik, established an early edge, inflicting two ALL OUTs on Haryana and building a comfortable lead by halftime. Despite a late surge from the Steelers, including Vinay and Ashish Narwal’s energetic raids, Delhi managed to hold on for the win. However, the focus shifted immediately to the absence of the customary handshake, which had always been a mark of sportsmanship in the Pro Kabaddi League.

The Steelers’ refusal highlighted the tension and frustration over refereeing decisions in high-stakes encounters. This incident marked a rare moment in PKL history where post-match decorum was overshadowed by controversy, signaling the increasing competitiveness and intensity in the ongoing season.