The Asia Cup 2025 handshake controversy is in the news again after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha spoke about what really happened on the field. That tournament was already full of excitement, tension and drama, but the no-handshake moment made it even bigger.
India dominated Pakistan in the 2026 Asia Cup, winning all three matches including the final, but the biggest talking point was what happened before and after the games in Dubai. During Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket team decided not to shake hands with Pakistani players.
Salman Ali Agha revives Asia Cup 2025 handshake controversy
This was done as a protest after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025. They avoided Pakistani players throughout the tournament. Even if the Indian teams, both men and women, carried it out across the age group. This caused a huge controversy in the cricket world.
Also Read: 19-year-old cricketer commits suicide in India amid IPL 2026
Now, Salman Ali Agha has shared new details about the incident. The Pakistan captain revealed that he and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav greeted each other during the pre-tournament press conference and even during the trophy photo session.
But things suddenly changed with the draw. Salman Ali Agha revealed that just before leaving, he was informed that there would be no handshake from India. It surprised him.
Not that I was desperate to shake his hand: Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha said on the ARY podcast: “Before the tournament, a press conference was held, during which a handshake was held. During the trophy photo shoot, we also shook hands. So when I went to the draw, I was completely normal. Of course, I had an idea that things would not be so normal, but I did not think that it would escalate to the point where there would be no handshake. I did not expect that.”
The all-rounder also stated that he was not informed before the draw that there would be no handshake, but he accepted the decision calmly. Explaining the situation, Salman said, “I went to conduct the toss with my media head Naim Bhai. The match referee (I don’t remember his name) took me aside and said, ‘You are going to do this; there won’t be a handshake, so keep that in mind.” I replied, “If there’s no handshake, so be it.”
He added: “It’s not that I was desperate to shake hands. That’s how it happened; he told me beforehand that there would be no handshake. After the match was over, we lost and we were walking towards their pavilion for the handshake; they still didn’t shake hands.”
Sends wrong message: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha
The Pakistan captain highlighted that India’s move was not correct as players are role models and such actions can influence youngsters.
He signed off by saying: “I have said before that I don’t think this is right. When we represent a nation, people look at us, especially young people who follow our example. If something like this happens, it can influence behavior in future games. As a role model, I think this is not right.”
Also Read: PSZ vs HYDK Match Prediction: Playing XI, Pitch & Weather Report, Key Battles – PSL 2026 Final
No handshake, no trophy
The same firm stance was seen again later when India continued its no-hands-on approach even in the T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup final had another controversy. After winning the title, the Indian team refused to take the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his players refused to share the stage with ACC president Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s home minister. The players received their individual awards but the Indian team is yet to receive the trophy as Naqvi left the venue with the cutlery.