‘I wasn’t desperate’: Salman Ali Agha breaks silence on India vs Pakistan handshake snub
Salman Ali Agha reignites the Asia Cup 2025 handshake debate, revealing prior knowledge of India's decision to avoid pre-match greetings. He emphasized the responsibility of public figures as role models, highlighting the negative impact on aspiring cricketers. The controversy also saw India decline the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Salman Ali Agha has reopened the debate around the Asia Cup 2025 handshake controversy, revisiting an incident that drew widespread attention during last year’s tournament. The episode occurred when India captain Suryakumar Yadav chose not to engage in the customary pre-match handshake with his Pakistani counterpart. The decision was seen as a gesture of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, and came at a time of heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor.
The stance was not limited to the toss. Indian players avoided handshakes after matches as well, maintaining the approach across all three encounters against Pakistan, including the final, all of which India won. The issue has now resurfaced after Agha spoke about it during an appearance on an ARY podcast.
He revealed that initial interactions between the two sides had been normal. “Before the tournament, a press conference was held, during which a handshake took place. During the trophy photoshoot, we shook hands as well.
So, when I went for the toss, I was completely normal. Of course, I had an idea that things wouldn't be as normal, but I didn't think it would escalate to the point where there would be no handshake. I didn't expect that,” Agha said.