Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha breaks silence on handshake controversy
By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 27, 2025 | 09:38 PM
**Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha Responds to Handshake Controversy Ahead of Asia Cup Final**
Pakistan’s cricket captain, Salman Ali Agha, has responded to the recent handshake controversy involving India during the ongoing T20 Asia Cup 2025. The historic rivalry between the two teams has recently been intensified by off-field incidents rather than on-field performances.
### The Handshake Row
The issue escalated when India’s players reportedly skipped the traditional handshake with their Pakistani counterparts as a sign of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused match referee Andy Pycroft of preventing the customary handshake between India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha during the group stage match.
The PCB even threatened to withdraw from the series if Pycroft was not replaced, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) stood firm and rejected their demand. It’s worth noting that India won both their matches against Pakistan earlier in the tournament.
### Agha’s Response: “Not Good for Cricket”
Speaking ahead of the final clash scheduled for September 28 in Dubai, Agha shared his views on the controversy. He said, “I haven’t seen anything like this before, and I think it’s not good for cricket.”
Agha, who has been playing professional cricket since 2007, emphasized the importance of traditional sportsmanship. “I have not seen two teams not shaking hands,” he added, recalling that players from both sides have upheld this practice even in more tense situations in the past.
### Aggression on the Field
The Super Four match featured some heated exchanges, particularly during the batting of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, who had verbal interactions with Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Despite Haris Rauf being fined for his aggressive behavior, Agha stated that he does not mind bowlers showing aggression on the field — as long as it does not cross the line into disrespect.
### Pre-Final Photoshoot: Captains to Participate
Rumors had suggested that the captains might skip the pre-final photoshoot to make a statement regarding the controversy. However, Agha clarified that the photoshoot is part of the official protocol and confirmed that both captains will participate.
He also downplayed any notion that India might feel more pressure due to the handshake dispute. “Pressure would be there for both sides in an India-Pakistan final,” he said.
### Backing His Team’s Performance
When asked about his personal form and strike rate, Agha admitted that he is not yet at his best but is working hard to improve. He also stood by his underperforming batsmen, acknowledging that while they haven’t been at their peak, they are motivated.
“Hopefully, they are all waiting for the final to produce their best,” he said confidently.
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Pakistan and India now prepare to face off in what promises to be a high-stakes final, with passion and pride fueling both sides on and off the field.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/asia-cup-salman-agha-reflects-upon-handshake-row/story
