‘I didn’t think it would escalate this much’ – Salman Ali Agha revisits Asia Cup 2025 handshake row

‘I didn’t think it would escalate this much’ – Salman Ali Agha revisits Asia Cup 2025 handshake row (Photo source: Getty Images)

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has once again spoken about the controversy surrounding the handshake incident during the Asia Cup 2025. The episode dates back to last year’s tournament, when India skipper Suryakumar Yadav declined the customary pre-match handshake with his Pakistani counterpart. The gesture was widely seen as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people lost their lives.

The tournament itself took place in the tense aftermath of Operation Sindoor, during a period of heightened political and emotional strain between the two nations. Against this backdrop, the decision carried symbolic weight and extended beyond just the toss. Indian players avoided post-match handshakes as well in all three encounters against Pakistan, including the final. On the field, however, India maintained dominance, with Suryakumar Yadav and his side emerging victorious in each of those matches.

Agha brought the handshake row back into the spotlight during a podcast appearance. The Pakistan skipper revealed that handshakes had taken place at the pre-tournament press conference and even during the trophy photoshoot. He said he expected things to remain normal, but was surprised when the customary gesture was avoided at the toss.

“Before the tournament, a press conference was held, during which a handshake took place. During the trophy photoshoot, we shook hands as well. So, when I went for the toss, I was completely normal. Of course, I had an idea that things wouldn’t be as normal, but I didn’t think it would escalate to the point where there would be no handshake. I didn’t expect that,” Agha said on the ARY podcast.

He added that he had been informed in advance about the decision at the toss. He said he was told there would be no handshake and accepted it without making an issue of it.

“I went for the toss with my media manager, Naim Bhai. The match referee – I don’t recall his name – took me aside and told me, “They are going to do this; there won’t be a handshake, so please keep that in mind”. I replied, “If there’s no handshake, then so be it”. It’s not like I was desperate to shake hands. So that’s how it happened; he told me beforehand that there would be no handshake. After the match ended, we lost, and we were walking toward their pavilion for the handshake, they still didn’t shake hands,” said Agha.

Agha stressed the importance of setting the right example, noting that such gestures carry weight because players are seen as role models by younger audiences.

“I’ve said this many times I don’t think this is the right thing to do. When we represent a nation—and I play for Pakistan—people watch me. Children will pick up on this, and if it happens in a club game the next day, it will be because of me in some way, as I’m a part of it. When you are a role model, I believe doing these things is important,” Agha concluded.

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