Suryakumar Yadav Salman Ali Agha (Source: AFP)
The India vs Pakistan rivalry has always been intense and full of drama, but the Asia Cup 2025 clash added a new layer of controversy. The marquee tournament became a talking point due to the now-famous 'no-handshake' incident between India and Pakistan.
Now, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has finally spoken about what actually happened behind the scenes, offering fresh insight into the situation and even questioning India captain Suryakumar Yadav's actions.
What was all about the IND vs PAK handshake controversy?
The controversy began during the Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan. At the toss, fans noticed something unusual, there was no handshake between the captains.
India sealed the victory in style, with Suryakumar Yadav finishing the game with a massive six. However, instead of following the traditional post-match routine, Indian players, including Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, walked straight back to the dressing room without shaking hands with the Pakistan team.
This gesture did not go down well with Pakistan players and captain Salman Ali Agha, who viewed it as against the spirit of the game.
The situation became even more sensitive when SKY, during the post-match presentation, paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Following the incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took formal action by lodging a complaint with the ICC. The PCB alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft was biased and failed to handle the situation properly.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction and even demanded Pycroft's removal from officiating duties in the tournament. However, the ICC rejected the complaint, stating that there was no violation of any official rule.
The BCCI maintained its stance, arguing that there is no mandatory rule requiring players to shake hands, and backed the players’ decision.
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Salman Ali Agha finally reveals the India vs Pakistan handshake controversy
Speaking openly about the incident, Salman Ali Agha stated that the India vs Pakistan handshake controversy was not entirely spontaneous. According to him, there were indications beforehand that things would not be normal.
Salman Ali Agha finally stated that the handshakes took place during pre-match events, including the press conference and trophy shoot.
However, things changed at the toss. Salman Ali Agha claimed that the match referee took him aside and informed him that the usual handshake would not happen in the traditional manner.
Salman Ali Agha added that he was already mentally prepared for an unusual atmosphere. Interestingly, he also stated that he personally had no strong interest in the handshake either, given the circumstances.
However, what disappointed him most was what happened after the match. He said the Pakistan players still approached in the spirit of sportsmanship, expecting a handshake, but the Indian team did not reciprocate.
"Before the match, there was a press conference and a trophy shoot, and there was a handshake there too. So when I was going for the toss, I was pretty normal. I said, “Obviously, I had an idea that things wouldn’t be normal." Salman Ali Agha said.
"When I went for the toss, the match referee took me aside and said, “Friend, this handshake will not happen like this, so please see to it.” I said I have also not interest in shaking hands." he added.
"They told me in advance that there was no handshake, and after that, the match ended. We lost, and we were heading to his pavilion for a handshake. They still didn’t shake hands." he concluded.
It is important to note that India and Pakistan will likely face next during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027, and it will be interesting to see whether both the teams will continue this no-handshake ritual.
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