The handshake controversy from the Asia Cup 2025 is back in the headlines after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opened up about what really happened on the field. That tournament was already full of emotion, tension, and drama, but the no-handshake moment made it even bigger.
India dominated Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2026, winning all three matches, including the final, but the biggest talking point was what happened before and after the games in Dubai. During the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket team decided not to shake hands with Pakistani players.
This was done as a protest after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. They avoided Pakistani players throughout the tournament. Even if it was carried forward across the age group by the Indian teams, both men's and women’s. This sparked massive controversy in the world of cricket.
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Now, Salman Ali Agha has shared new details about the incident. The Pakistan captain revealed that he and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had greeted each other during the pre-tournament press conference and even during the trophy photoshoot.
But things changed suddenly at the toss. Salman Ali Agha revealed that just before going out, he was informed that there would be no handshake from India’s side. It surprised him.
It's not like I was desperate to shake hands: Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha said on the ARY podcast: “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.”
The all-rounder also stated that he was not informed before the toss that there would be no handshake, but he accepted the decision calmly. Explaining the situation, Salman said: “I went for the toss with my media manager, Naim Bhai. The match referee—I don't recall his name—took me aside and told me, "They are going to do this; there won't be a handshake, so please keep that in mind." I replied, "If there's no handshake, then so be it".”
He added, “It's not like I was desperate to shake hands. So that's how it happened; he told me beforehand that there would be no handshake. After the match ended, we lost, and we were walking toward their pavilion for the handshake; they still didn't shake hands.”
The Pakistan captain stressed that India’s move was not right, as players are role models and such actions can influence youngsters.
He signed off by saying, “I’ve said before that I don’t think this is right. When we represent a nation, people watch us, especially youngsters who follow our example. If something like this happens, it can influence behavior in future games. As a role model, I believe this isn’t the right thing to do.”
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No handshake, No trophy
The same strong stand was later seen again, as India continued their no-handshake approach even in the T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup final had another controversy. After winning the title, the Indian team refused to take the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his players refused to share a stage with ACC chairman Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister. Players received their individual awards, but the Indian team has not yet received the trophy, as Naqvi left the venue with the silverware.
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