Salman Ali Agha Pokes Suryakumar Yadav, Reignites Handshake Controversy

Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha skipped handshakes in the Asia Cup [Source: 1DAVID92/X.com]

The much-talked-about India vs Pakistan match at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is just over 24 hours away, and the handshake gate is back in the headlines. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has openly spoken about his team's stance on the issue, which was all over the news during the Asia Cup.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, had skipped handshakes with Salman Ali Agha and his team during all three encounters against Pakistan in the recent Asia Cup. This had happened due to the cross-border tensions between the two nations earlier in 2025, and the tensions were evident on the field as well.

Salman Ali Agha says he has no control on what India do

In the lead-up to the match, a lot of off-the-field drama has already taken place, with Pakistan almost boycotting the particular fixture and then making a U-turn on the decision. India's stance had remained consistent about reaching the venue and leaving the decision of a forfeit up to Pakistan.

Now that the match is on schedule, Salman Ali Agha addressed the pre-match press conference and showed his willingness shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav. According to Salman Ali Agha, the game should be played in sportsmen spirit, and that is what he would be looking for on Sunday.

"Cricket should be played in spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played the way it has always been played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” Salman Ali Agha said at the press conference.

No clarity on India's stance on handshake with Pakistan

The India-Pakistan match has been under a scanner for the last 15-20 days due to Pakistan's unwillingness to play the game despite playing on a neutral venue. While Suryakumar Yadav noted no issues in playing Pakistan in the pre-tournament press conference, there is no clarity on whether India will shake hands on Sunday or not.

Even Salman Ali Agha poked Yadav by saying, "We’ll find that [India's intentions] out tomorrow," during the Saturday afternoon presser.

The Indian skipper is yet to meet the media for the customary presser. He is scheduled to address the questions later on Saturday evening, when some clarity could be received.

IND-PAK T20 World Cup clash well poised

In the past few years, India has comprehensively had the upper hand over Pakistan in ICC events, losing only the 2021 T20 World Cup game. However, this time around, the match looks in a good balance, considering multiple factors.

Firstly, Pakistan have played both of their previous two match at the tournament in Colombo, which gives them a slight advantage of knowing the situations. Secondly, the Colombo pitches have assisted the spinners fairly in the matches played during the ongoing tournament. The Pakistan spin-attack, with the likes of Usman Tariq can exploit these conditions well.

It is not expected to be a high-scoring encounter, where India would bat the opposition out of the match on paper. A 170-180 thrilling encounter could be on cards with the entertainment quotient high. The winning of this match will confirm their spot in the Super 8 before playing their last match.