Pakistan captain Salman Agha slams India for 'disrespecting cricket' at Asia Cup
By
SABC Sport
29th September 2025
Pakistan captained Salman Agha has called out the India team for 'disrespecting cricket' following a drama-filled Asia Cup final that was played in Dubai.
India beat their arch-rivals by five wickets with two balls to spare to claim a ninth Asia Cup title but refused the customary handshakes with the Pakistan side after the contest.
There was then a 90-minute delay at the post-match presentation as India then also did want to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Asia Cricket Council president.
Speaking to reporters at the press conference after the final, Agha said: "What India have done this tournament is very disappointing.
"They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they're disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did today.
"We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfil our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words but they've been very disrespectful."
The Pakistan went on to add that the events that took place was not a good look and sets a bad example to the younger generations who look up to the national team players as role-models.
"I'm not just a Pakistan captain, I'm a cricket fan," Agha said. "If a kid is watching in India or Pakistan, we're not sending them a good message. People think of us as role models, but if we're behaving like this, we're not inspiring them.
"What happened shouldn't have happened, but you should ask the people (India) responsible for this rather than me."
