(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Agha: “It’s not about disrespecting us, it’s about respecting cricket”
September 29, 2025
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment over the lack of handshakes in the Asia Cup final, calling it a setback for the spirit of cricket. Speaking at the post-match press conference in Dubai on Monday, Agha also announced that the team would be donating their final match fees to families affected during recent incidents.
“What we saw today was very disappointing,” Agha said after Pakistan’s narrow defeat to India in the last-over thriller. “They’re not disrespecting us by not shaking hands — they’re disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t do that. We stood with our medals and trophy because we wanted to fulfil our obligations as professionals. But it was unfortunate to see such behavior.”
The post-match ceremony faced delays after reports suggested the Indian team was unwilling to receive the trophy from ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Throughout the tournament, both sides avoided traditional handshakes before and after matches.
Agha, however, clarified that he did not hold personal grievances against India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav. “He shook hands with me privately earlier in the tournament,” Agha explained. “I believe he would have done the same today if it was his personal choice. It seems there were instructions behind it.”
The Pakistan skipper emphasized that such conduct sends the wrong message to young fans.
“As cricketers, we’re role models. If children in both countries are watching this, it doesn’t inspire them. Cricket has always been about mutual respect, and I hope we don’t see this again.”
Concluding the press conference, Agha announced the team’s collective decision:
“As a team, we are donating our Asia Cup final match fees to support families who were affected during the recent events. This is a small gesture from us to show solidarity.”
