Asia Cup 2025: Salman Agha condemns India for 'disrespecting cricket' with their conduct

The Asia Cup 2025 ended with India securing their ninth title in Dubai, as they defeated Pakistan in the summit clash. Following the game, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha openly condemned India for what he described as disrespecting cricket with their behaviour throughout the tournament, particularly during the trophy presentation ceremony.

After India defeated Pakistan, the presentation ceremony drew significant attention. Following a 90-minute delay, the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, and also the country’s interior minister. This decision triggered criticism from Pakistan’s skipper, who expressed disappointment at India’s repeated refusal to engage with Pakistan players and officials.

"What happened in this tournament? I think it is very disappointing. If you look at it, they feel that by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting us but in fact they are disrespecting cricket. And anyone who disrespects cricket, I think it comes back and I am very sure that it will happen. What they have done today, I think a good team doesn't do this. Good teams do what we have done; we went alone and posed with the trophy and even after the loss, we stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use very harsh words but to be very honest, this is very disrespectful to the game, not anyone else. Yes, there was no pre-match press conference at times but those things that happened after whatever happened on the ground. We were not the ones to start. And, to be honest, it is not about who is doing it, whatever is happening is bad for the game of cricket," Agha said at the post-match press conference.

We are not giving a good message: Salman Agha

The Pakistani captain insisted that such actions had no precedent in the game and risked sending the wrong message to younger fans and upcoming cricketers

"Say I am not the captain of Pakistan, even just as a cricket fan, I will not second what's happening because it is wrong. To a kid sitting at home, whether he/she is from Pakistan or India, what message are we sending? We are not giving a good message because people think of us as role models, so if we start behaving like this as role models then we are not inspiring anyone. And if we are inspiring, then we are inspiring them about the wrong things. I am saying this again, whatever happened was wrong and it should not have happened. So those who did it should be questioned," he added.

Throughout the tournament, India avoided handshakes with Pakistan players before tosses and after games. Agha revealed that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had privately shaken hands with him during press conferences and referee meetings, but refrained from doing so publicly.

"He did shake hands with me when we were doing the captains' press conference [before the start of the tournament]. He shook my hands even during our meeting with the match referee. But he doesn't do it when he's in front of everyone. I am sure, if it was up to him, he'd have done it. He's just doing what he's been instructed, which is fine," Agha further added.