Salman Ali Agha has said that the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash should be played in the right spirit, adding that his team is open to the customary handshake. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s marquee encounter, the Pakistan captain said the decision ultimately rests with India.
“Cricket should be played in spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played the way it has always been played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” Agha said.
The comments come in the backdrop of the handshake controversy that erupted earlier this year. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, India opted against the customary handshake during the Asia Cup 2025 fixture between the two sides. At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined the handshake, and Indian players walked straight back to the dugout after their group-stage win.
Pakistan were left angered by the gesture and briefly threatened to boycott their subsequent fixture in the tournament.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), match referee Andy Pycroft intervened at the toss to prevent the customary handshake between the two captains.
A day after the match, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that he had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking Pycroft’s removal from the remainder of the tournament. Pycroft, a former Zimbabwe international, was one of two match referees appointed for the Asia Cup.
The PCB’s complaint alleged that Pycroft had taken Salman Ali Agha aside at the toss and informed him in advance that Suryakumar Yadav would not be shaking hands.
Pakistan initially threatened to boycott the tournament but eventually turned up for their next fixture against the UAE — albeit an hour late. Reports later suggested that the situation was defused after Naqvi met Pycroft and resolved the matter internally.
The controversy resurfaced during the post-match presentation ceremony, when India reportedly declined to step onto the dais to collect their awards due to Naqvi’s presence. The incident further angered the PCB chief, who instructed officials to remove the trophy from the stage.
The Indian team, who did not receive their medals or the trophy at that moment, waited until the officials had left before returning to the podium to celebrate on their own.
Source: India Today