Handshake Spat Bad for Cricket, Says Pakistan Captain Ahead of India Final in Dubai
The cricketing world is abuzz ahead of the Asia Cup final scheduled on Sunday in Dubai, not only because of the high stakes but due to ongoing tension off the field. Pakistan captain Salman Agha has openly criticized India’s refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani team, calling the gesture “not good for cricket.” This development adds another layer to the already intense rivalry between the two nations, who have faced political and military conflicts recently.
The Asia Cup has seen heightened political tension and on-field friction between India and Pakistan, largely influenced by a deadly military conflict earlier in May between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. This backdrop has made their encounters more than just a cricket match; each game carries the weight of national pride and political undertones.
India’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistan in both their group-stage and Super Four round matches in the UAE caught many by surprise. India’s dominant performances, winning comfortably each time, seemed overshadowed by this refusal of a basic gesture of sportsmanship. The situation escalated further during the last Sunday’s clash when players from both sides exchanged heated words. India even filed an official complaint over alleged inappropriate gestures made by Pakistani players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan.
Salman Agha expressed his confusion and disappointment over the absence of handshakes, highlighting the traditions of the game. “I have been playing competitive cricket since 2007 and have never seen a game go without a handshake,” Agha revealed. He emphasized that even during the worst periods of political tension between the two countries, players have always maintained this basic level of respect. Agha shared a personal note, saying his father, a passionate cricket fan, had never witnessed such behavior in all his years watching the sport.
While acknowledging the intense emotions that come with competitive sports, Agha stressed the importance of discipline on the field. He explained, “Every individual has his own style. If someone wants to be aggressive on the ground, then why not. If you control the aggression of a fast bowler, then nothing is left.” However, he was clear that any aggression should never cross the line into disrespect. “I give free hand to my players to react on the ground unless he is disrespecting other players and the country,” he said.
Looking ahead to the final, Agha mentioned an additional point of contention: the captains’ photo shoot with the trophy, which India is reportedly likely to boycott. “They do what they want to do. We will do what is in our protocol. Rest is up to them, if they want to come for that it’s up to them. If they do not want to come, don’t come,” said Agha, signaling a willingness to follow official procedures regardless of the other team’s actions.
India enters the final in confident form, having won all six of their matches in the Asia Cup so far, and remains unbeaten against Pakistan in white-ball matches since 2022. Despite India being heavy favorites, Agha acknowledged the unique pressure a final brings. “It’s a final so there will be the same amount of pressure on both teams. I think the pressure of the final is different. We will try our best to win this,” he affirmed, showing determination and focus amid the surrounding tensions.
The Asia Cup final thus promises to be a gripping contest on the field, played against a backdrop of political tension and unresolved friction—an intense chapter in the storied rivalry between India and Pakistan cricket.
