On the eve of the Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has spoken candidly about India’s repeated refusal to follow cricketing protocols — from the customary handshake to the traditional captains’ trophy photoshoot — terming the gestures “not good for cricket.”
The high-voltage tournament has been as much about the off-field drama as the on-field action. The controversy first erupted in the group stage when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav declined a handshake with Agha at the toss. The snub repeated after the match when Indian players walked straight off the field, shutting themselves inside the dressing room while Pakistan’s players waited for the traditional exchange of courtesies.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged an official protest, and ICC match referee Andy Pycroft later apologised, calling it a “miscommunication.” But the episode set the tone for the remainder of the tournament.
When the two sides met again in the Super Four clash on September 21, handshakes were skipped once more — fueling criticism and adding to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the rivalry.
Speaking to reporters in Dubai ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster final, Agha shared his disappointment.
“I’ve been playing professional cricket since 2007, and I had never seen a match without handshakes,” Agha said. “Even in worse times between Pakistan and India, handshakes still happened. This is not good for cricket.”
Earlier on Saturday, organisers confirmed that the traditional pre-final trophy shoot featuring both captains would not take place — another symbolic break from long-standing traditions.
Asked about India’s refusal, Agha said Pakistan would continue to respect cricketing customs regardless of the opposition’s stance.
“They can do whatever they want. We have our protocol, and we will follow it. If they want to come, they can come. If not, that’s their choice.”
For Agha and his men, the focus now shifts to the historic final itself — Pakistan’s first against India in the Asia Cup in more than four decades. Yet, with the handshake saga and the photoshoot snub hanging in the backdrop, Sunday’s clash promises to carry as much edge off the field as it does on it.
