Dubai: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has criticised the Indian team’s “No Handshake” policy during the Asia Cup, calling it “disrespectful to cricket” and harmful for young fans who see players as role models.
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a heated Asia Cup T20 final on Sunday, clinching their second title in the format. However, the post-match focus quickly shifted from India’s triumph to the controversy over sportsmanship.
“Disrespecting cricket, not us”
“What India have done this tournament is very disappointing. They are not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t do what they did,” Salman said at the post-match press conference.
The Pakistan captain stressed that fulfilling formal obligations is part of the game:
“We went to pose with the trophy (photo shoot) on our own because we wanted to fulfil our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don’t want to use harsh words, but they have been very disrespectful.”
“Different behaviour in private and public”
Salman alleged inconsistency in Indian players’ behaviour, particularly citing Suryakumar Yadav:
“He shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament, both at the pre-tournament press conference and when we met in the referee’s meeting. But when they are out in the world in front of the cameras, they don’t shake our hands. I’m sure he is following the instructions he has been given, but if it was up to him, he would shake hands with me.”
Trophy presentation row
Salman also backed ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi’s decision to step in during the trophy presentation:
“Everything that happened today was a consequence of all that happened before. Of course, the ACC president will give the trophy to the winners. If you won’t take the trophy from him, how will you get it?”
Concern for cricket’s image
The Pakistan captain called the incident unprecedented:
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen this happen. Whatever happened in this tournament was very bad, and I hope it stops at some stage because it’s bad for cricket.”
He added that such actions send the wrong signal to aspiring cricketers:
“I’m not just a Pakistan captain, I’m a cricket fan. If a kid is watching in India or Pakistan, we’re not sending them a good message.”
On why the situation unfolded, Salman said only India could answer:
“People think of us as role models, but if we’re behaving like this, we’re not inspiring them. What happened shouldn’t have happened, but you should ask the people (of India) responsible for this rather than me.”
Donation announcement
In a final remark, Salman announced that the Pakistan team’s match fees would be donated to families of those killed during Operation Sindoor, a military response by India following a terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year that claimed 26 tourist lives.
“Surya Shook Hands Twice In Private…”Pak Captain Agha Alleges
