In what came as a rare break from tradition, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha was left standing alone beside the Asia Cup 2025 trophy during the customary pre-final photoshoot at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.
Traditionally, both skippers of the finalists appear together for the trophy shoot — a symbolic moment reflecting the spirit of the contest. But with India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav absent, Salman found himself posing solo ahead of Sunday’s historic Pakistan–India title clash.
The Indian management later told local media that they had “not received any instructions” from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding the shoot.
This latest episode adds another layer to the already tense build-up between the two sides. Earlier in the tournament, Yadav was criticised for avoiding customary handshakes with Salman Agha — first at the group-stage toss and later after sealing victory in the Super Four match.
Tensions also flared when Indian players rushed back to the dressing room post-match on September 14, locking the doors while Pakistan remained on the field for courtesies. The Pakistan team management formally lodged a protest, prompting an apology from match referee Andy Pycroft.
With the first-ever Pakistan–India Asia Cup final just hours away, the solo trophy shoot has become another talking point in a tournament where the rivalry has gone beyond runs and wickets.
For Salman Agha and his men, the focus remains firmly on the cricket, but for fans on both sides, even the smallest gestures are feeding the intensity of what promises to be a final for the ages.
