The echoes of last year’s tense India–Pakistan matches have resurfaced, as Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revisited the now-infamous handshake controversy from the Asia Cup 2025. The incident goes back to a period of heightened tensions between the two nations. The tournament took place in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and shortly after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, in a departure from cricketing tradition, declined the customary pre-match handshake with his Pakistani counterpart. The gesture was seen as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Even Indian players maintained this stance consistently, avoiding handshakes not only at the toss but also after matches.
It happened across all three clashes with Pakistan, including the final. Speaking on a podcast recently, Agha gave a candid perspective, revealing that interactions between players had been good prior to the matches. Handshakes were exchanged during the pre-tournament press conference and even at the trophy photoshoot.
"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 ARY podcast.
"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," he added.
"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," he said.
Meanwhile, India had won the Asia Cup 2025, beating Pakistan by five wickets in the final.