Pakistan captain Salman Agha has taken issue with how Indian players conducted themselves throughout the 2025 Asia Cup calling out their conduct, including at the controversial trophy presentation in the final.
Agha condemned India’s behavior during the tournament, stating that their refusal to engage with Pakistan’s players or officials went beyond rivalry and amounted to disrespect for the game itself.
Speaking after Pakistan’s defeat in Sunday’s final in Dubai, Agha did not hold back in his criticism of India’s actions. “What India have done this tournament is very disappointing,” he said. “They’re not disrespecting us by refusing handshakes, they’re disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t behave like this.”
The match ended in a tense final-over finish, but what followed overshadowed the contest. India declined to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. This led to an unprecedented 90-minute delay before the presentation ceremony, during which Indian players eventually celebrated with an imaginary trophy rather than accept it from Naqvi.
The Asia Cup final was not an isolated incident, as Salman Ali Agha pointed out. Throughout the tournament, India avoided customary handshakes at tosses and after matches, preferring to keep their distance. Agha revealed that privately, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was more cordial, but insisted he was bound by instructions.
“He shook hands with me in private before the tournament and at the referee’s meeting,” Agha explained. “But in front of the cameras, he doesn’t. I’m sure if it was up to him, he’d behave differently. It looks like he’s just following orders.”
For Agha, the greater concern was the impact on fans and the spirit of the sport. “This is the first time I’ve seen something like this in cricket,” he said. “It sets a terrible example. Whether a child is watching in India or Pakistan, they’re not learning the right lessons. We’re supposed to be role models, but this isn’t the message cricket should be sending.”
While acknowledging that the rivalry between Pakistan and India has always been fierce, Agha stressed that basic respect should never be compromised. “Of course the ACC president will hand over the trophy. If you won’t take it from him, how will you get it? This shouldn’t happen again, because it damages cricket more than it damages any one team.”
The Asia Cup may have delivered thrilling cricket, but its legacy is likely to be remembered for controversy. And as Salman Agha made clear, Pakistan believes India crossed a line, one that risks undermining the very spirit of the game both nations claim to love.