Salman Agha calls out Suryakumar Yadav over Asia Cup 2025 handshake controversy

Pakistan captain Salman Agha has sparked a fresh debate in the cricket world by accusing India captain Suryakumar Yadav of hypocrisy during the Asia Cup 2025 final. While India publicly refused to shake hands with Pakistan players during the high-stakes tournament, Agha revealed that Yadav had privately shaken his hand earlier in a match referee meeting. This revelation has drawn attention to the ongoing India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry and raised questions about sportsmanship in international cricket.

Agha expressed that the private handshake contradicted India’s public posture. He suggested that while Yadav may have acted under team instructions, the gesture, or lack of it in front of cameras, was being closely watched by fans and media. The incident highlights the pressures of playing in high-tension matches between India and Pakistan, where even symbolic actions like handshakes become headline stories. 

The controversy intensified after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft had prevented the traditional handshake during earlier group-stage matches. The PCB even considered pulling out of proceedings if the referee wasn’t replaced, though the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected their demand. 

"He shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament. Both at the pre-tournament press conference and when we met in the referee's meeting. But when they're out in front of the cameras, they don't shake our hands. I'm sure he's following the instructions he's been given, but if it was up to him, he'd shake hands with me," Salman Agha said in press conference. 

Watch the match highlights between India and Pakistan

"What India has done in this tournament is very disappointing," he added. "They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they're disrespecting cricket."

Leadership and composure in the spotlight for India and Pakistan

Suryakumar Yadav clarified that India’s decision to snub ACC and PCB officials, including chairman Mohsin Naqvi, was taken on the field by the team, rather than dictated by the BCCI. He emphasized that focusing on the game and avoiding unnecessary confrontations was a priority. By choosing composure over retaliation, the Indian team reinforced its commitment to sportsmanship in cricket while handling provocations from Pakistan players.

Also read: India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 final: A look back at their last multi-national tournament final

The incident highlights how the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry often extends beyond the boundary ropes, with every gesture scrutinized by fans, analysts, and the media. In the Asia Cup 2025 final, India not only secured their ninth title but also demonstrated how leadership and restraint can be as crucial as performance on the field. Yadav’s approach reflected the delicate balance between competitive spirit and professionalism in modern cricket.