‘I wasn’t desperate’: Salman Ali Agha breaks silence on India vs Pakistan handshake snub

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.

Agha also shared that he had been informed in advance about the decision. “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’. 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,” he added.

Reflecting on the broader impact, Agha stressed the responsibility that comes with being a public figure. “I've said this many times I don't think this is the right thing to do. When we represent a nation—and I play for Pakistan—people watch me. Children will pick up on this, and if it happens in a club game the next day, it will be because of me in some way, as I'm a part of it. When you are a role model, I believe doing these things is important,” he said.

The controversy extended beyond on-field interactions. During the post-match presentation of the Asia Cup final, the Indian team declined to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and heads the Pakistan Cricket Board. The players maintained distance, reflecting unease over his role and previous remarks concerning India.