The stage is set for the Asia Cup final 2025— but one tradition might quietly slip away. Ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster Pakistan vs India clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, organisers have confirmed that the customary pre-final trophy shoot featuring both captains will not be held.
Whether Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav eventually pose together with the silverware will now be decided on match day itself. For fans craving that symbolic face-off moment, it’s another reminder of the off-field tension simmering between the two camps.
This development comes against the backdrop of repeated incidents during the tournament. In the group-stage clash, Indian vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav refused the customary handshake with Salman Ali Agha at the toss — a moment that did not go unnoticed. Later, after sealing victory with the bat, Suryakumar walked straight off without acknowledging Pakistan’s players, sparking an official protest from team manager Naveed Akram Cheema.
The Pakistan Cricket Board revealed that match referee Andy Pycroft had to apologise, calling it a “miscommunication.” But the drama did not end there. In the Super Four encounter on September 21, both sides once again skipped pre- and post-match handshakes, further fuelling the debate around sportsmanship.
For now, Salman Ali Agha will front up at a press conference at 7:00 PM (PST) on Saturday, followed by Pakistan’s final training session at the ICC Academy. India, meanwhile, are keeping their plans under wraps.
The trophy shoot — usually a symbolic photo-op that underlines the spirit of the game — has become yet another storyline in cricket’s most intense rivalry. On Sunday, all eyes won’t just be on the cricket, but also on whether the captains will finally stand shoulder to shoulder before the first ball is bowled.
