'I give players licence to react the way they want' - Agha Salman ahead of IND vs PAK clash in Asia Cup 2025
“As long as they’re not disrespecting anyone and stay within the line, I have no issues with that,” Salman said.
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Ahead of the all-important Asia Cup 2025 Final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, the Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has said that he will keep backing his players for their on-field antics, regardless of how controversial they are. He further expressed that he gives the freedom to his players in reacting the way they wish to, as long as it does not amount to disrespect to the national sovereignty.
Notably, the statements by Salman came in the aftermath of the controversial on-field gestures by Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi during the previous clash against the Indian side. Rauf was penalized heavily for his actions, as his gestures were completely uncalled-for. Salman told that even though Rauf was fined for his acts, he does not find anything disrespectful towards the opposition and is also okay with the pacer being aggressive on the field.
“If someone wants to be aggressive on the ground, then why not. If you deprive a fast bowler of their aggression, then what’s left?. Every player knows how to deal with their emotions. I give players the licence to react the way they want at the ground. As long as they’re not disrespecting anyone and stay within the line, I have no issues with that,” the Pakistani skipper said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
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Not to have handshakes is not good for cricket: Salman
The biggest topic of debate in the Asia Cup for all the India vs Pakistan games has been the handshakegate saga, which unfolded after the Indians refused to shake hands with the Men in Green side before and after the match. Salman says that in almost two decades of him playing cricket professionally, he had never heard or encountered of a game where the two teams did not follow the customary handshake. He feels that it is not good for the game's sake.
“I’ve been playing professional cricket since 2007. I’ve never seen no handshakes between two teams. My dad is a huge fan of cricket and used to tell me about its history. He never told me about any game where there’s not been a handshake. I’ve heard it’s never happened before. When India-Pakistan games took place in even more tense situations, handshakes always happened. Not to have handshakes is not good for cricket. If someone wants to be aggressive, whether they’re from my team or their team, I have no issues with that, but you should shake hands at the end of it,” he added.
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Speaking of the final, the arch-rivals will meet in the summit clash of the tournament for the first time in the continental competition's 41-year-long history. As a result, a highly spiced-up contest is expected as India will look to