Mumbai: Salman Agha, the captain of Pakistan, has finally addressed the lingering ‘handshake controversy’ that has clouded the high-stakes rivalry with India as the Asia Cup 2025 approaches its climactic finale.
In a candid press conference on the eve of the much-anticipated final, Agha expressed disappointment over the incidents where Indian players refrained from shaking hands, calling it a poor precedent for sportsmanship.
The row first erupted during the group stage match, where India trounced Pakistan by seven wickets. At the toss, stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav skipped the customary handshake with Agha, and post-match, no Indian player extended a hand to their Pakistani counterparts. On September 21, the Super-4 round repeated the snub, sparking debates across cricket circles. With the final looming, speculation is rife that India might repeat the gesture, adding fuel to the already intense Indo-Pak encounter.
“I’ve been playing professional cricket since 2007, and I’ve never witnessed two teams not shaking hands,” Agha remarked, drawing from his vast experience. He fondly recalled stories from his father, a die-hard cricket enthusiast, who never mentioned such lapses in etiquette. “These actions set a bad example for the spirit of the game,” he said, emphasising the importance of mutual respect on the field.
Despite the off-field distractions, Agha’s focus remains laser-sharp on clinching the trophy. Pakistan has faced defeats against India in both the group and Super-4 stages, but the captain is undeterred. “We don’t dwell on things beyond our control, like media chatter or external noise,” he said. “Our aim is to win the Asia Cup. We’re here to play top-notch cricket and give our best in the final tomorrow.”
In a moment of optimism that resonated with fans, Agha declared, “Inshallah, you’ll see us emerging victorious. If we deliver our absolute best over the full 40 runs, we can beat any team.” His words come amid broader tensions, including the absence of a pre-final photoshoot between the captains, further highlighting the strained dynamics.
As both teams gear up for the showdown, this controversy underscores the delicate balance between fierce competition and camaraderie in cricket’s most passionate rivalry. Will sportsmanship prevail, or will the focus shift solely to the scoreboard? All eyes are on tomorrow’s clash.