Dubai, September 29, 2025: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has criticised India’s conduct during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, saying their refusal to shake hands or receive the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi was damaging to the spirit of cricket.
The post-final presentation ceremony was delayed by over an hour as the Indian team declined to collect the trophy. Only individual awards were presented, with Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Tilak Varma honoured for their performances. Pakistan skipper Agha accepted the runners-up cheque, while Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Tournament. The trophy presentation was ultimately abandoned.
“They’re not disrespecting us by refusing handshakes, they’re disrespecting cricket,” Agha told reporters. “This is the first time I’ve seen such behaviour. It sends the wrong message to young fans who look to us as role models.”
Agha clarified that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had privately shaken hands earlier in the tournament but appeared bound by team instructions during public moments.
He added that Pakistan’s players fulfilled their ceremonial obligations regardless, posing with medals and standing by the trophy.
The Pakistan captain also announced that the team would donate their Asia Cup final match fees to families affected by recent Indian attacks on Pakistan.
