Salman Agha Reveals ‘The No-Handshake’ In IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Match Was Pre-Decided

Salman Ali Agha breaks silence on the India vs Pakistan no-handshake controversy, revealing behind-the-scenes details and expressing disappointment over post-match events.

The high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter in the Asia Cup 2025 grabbed headlines not just for the on-field action but for a controversial moment off it. Fans noticed the absence of a customary handshake between the captains at the toss, which immediately raised eyebrows.

India went on to win the match convincingly. However, the situation escalated after the match when Indian players, including Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, walked off without engaging in the traditional handshake with their Pakistani counterparts.

The move did not sit well with Pakistan players, who viewed it as against the spirit of the game. The situation became even more sensitive when Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack during the post-match presentation.

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Salman Ali Agha Shares Behind-The-Scenes Details

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has now opened up about the controversy, revealing that the situation was not entirely unexpected. He disclosed that handshakes had taken place earlier during pre-match events like the press conference and trophy shoot, but things changed ahead of the toss.

“Before the match, there was a press conference and a trophy shoot, and there was a handshake there too. So when I was going for the toss, I was pretty normal. “Obviously, I had an idea that things wouldn’t be normal.” Salman Ali Agha said on the ARY podcast.

“When I went for the toss, the match referee took me aside and said, “Friend, this handshake will not happen like this, so please see to it.” I said I have also not interest in shaking hands.” he added.

“They told me in advance that there was no handshake, and after that, the match ended. We lost, and we were heading to his pavilion for a handshake. They still didn’t shake hands.” he concluded.

Agha admitted he was mentally prepared for an unusual situation but expressed disappointment over the lack of post-match sportsmanship.

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With India and Pakistan likely to meet again in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will carry forward into future encounters.