Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha stands next to the trophy during the toss before the start of the Asia Cup 2025 Twenty20 international cricket final against India in Dubai on September 28, 2025.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Dubai, September 28, 2025: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has slammed India’s “no-handshake” stance during the Asia Cup, calling it “disrespectful to cricket” and a poor example for young fans. India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a heated final at the Dubai International Stadium to clinch their ninth Asia Cup title overall and second in the T20 format.
“What India have done this tournament is very disappointing. They are not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t do what they did,” Salman told reporters after the final.
“Shook hands in private, avoided it in public”
The Pakistan skipper singled out Suryakumar Yadav, accusing him of behaving differently behind closed doors compared to his public actions.
“He shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament, during the press conference and in the referee’s meeting. But when it came to doing it in front of cameras, they refused. I’m sure he is following instructions, but if it was up to him, he would shake hands,” Salman said.
Trophy presentation controversy
Salman also defended Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi’s decision to step away with the trophy after India allegedly refused to collect it from the PCB chief.
“Of course, the ACC president gives the trophy to the winners. If you won’t take it from him, how will you get it? Everything that happened today was the consequence of what happened before,” Salman remarked.
“Sets a wrong example for kids”
Calling the episode unprecedented, the Pakistan captain said it sends a damaging message to aspiring cricketers.
“I’m not just a Pakistan captain, I’m a cricket fan. If a kid is watching in India or Pakistan, we are not sending the right message. People think of us as role models, but this isn’t how we inspire them,” he added.
Political backdrop
This year’s Asia Cup was played under the shadow of tense Indo-Pak relations, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists earlier this year. India responded with military action under Operation Sindoor, intensifying the political standoff.
Salman ended the press conference with a solemn announcement: the Pakistan team will donate their entire match fees from the tournament to the families of those who died during Operation Sindoor.
Published – September 29, 2025 10:04 am IST
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