Pakistan Captain Salman Agha Skips Handshake, Bolts Off After Asia Cup Press Conference; India’s Suryakumar Yadav Stays Back to Greet Others
On September 9, 2025, the Asia Cup 2025 captains’ press conference in Dubai set the stage for one of cricket’s most anticipated tournaments. However, it wasn’t just the talk of strategy or team preparations that grabbed headlines. A moment of tension between India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha—when Agha reportedly ignored a handshake and left the stage abruptly—sparked buzz across social media and cricket circles. Meanwhile, Suryakumar stayed back, exchanging pleasantries with other captains and even shaking hands with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. This blog explores the incident, its context, and what it signals for the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash on September 14.
The Press Conference: A Charged Atmosphere
The Asia Cup 2025, hosted in the UAE, kicked off with a ceremonial press conference featuring the captains of all eight participating teams: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong. Held hours before the tournament opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong, the event was meant to build anticipation for the T20 spectacle. However, with India and Pakistan set to face off on September 14, all eyes were on Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha, whose teams represent one of sport’s fiercest rivalries.
The press conference was carefully orchestrated, with Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan seated between Yadav and Agha to avoid direct proximity—a move by organizers to keep the atmosphere composed amid recent India-Pakistan tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and cross-border flare-ups. Questions focused on the upcoming India-Pakistan clash, team strategies, and the role of aggression on the field. Both captains handled the queries with professionalism, but the event’s conclusion revealed a stark contrast in their actions.
The Handshake Snub: What Happened?
As the press conference wrapped up, protocol typically involves captains exchanging handshakes or pleasantries, a gesture of sportsmanship. However, reports indicate that Salman Ali Agha left the stage abruptly without engaging in the customary handshakes. Videos circulating on social media, including one shared by the account Sporttify on X, showed Agha heading straight for the exit after the Q&A session ended. In contrast, Suryakumar Yadav remained on stage, warmly greeting other captains, including Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, with hugs and handshakes.
Initial reports suggested that Yadav and Agha did not shake hands at all, fueling speculation of a deliberate snub. However, a later video clarified that the two captains did briefly shake hands as Yadav was leaving the stage, though the interaction appeared perfunctory and lacked warmth. Yadav also shook hands with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the Asia Cup trophy unveiling, an image that went viral given Naqvi’s controversial remarks about India following the Pahalgam attack.
Context of the Incident
The apparent handshake snub must be viewed in the context of heightened India-Pakistan tensions, both on and off the cricket field. Recent events, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Pakistan’s allegations of Indian interference, have strained relations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faced pressure to boycott matches against Pakistan, and during India’s Asia Cup squad announcement on August 19, 2025, BCCI officials intervened to prevent questions about playing Pakistan, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue.
Cricket, however, has often transcended these tensions, with India and Pakistan continuing to face off in ICC and ACC events. The Asia Cup press conference was no exception, but Agha’s swift exit and the minimal interaction between the captains underscored the underlying friction. Agha’s actions may reflect the pressure of leading a young Pakistan side in transition, especially after the exclusion of senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Meanwhile, Yadav’s decision to stay back and engage with others projected confidence and composure, aligning with his successful tenure as India’s T20I captain, with 17 wins in 22 matches since July 2024.
Captains’ Comments: Aggression and Rivalry
During the press conference, both captains addressed the India-Pakistan rivalry and the role of on-field aggression. Suryakumar Yadav was candid, stating, “Aggression is always there on the field. Without it, you can’t play this sport. I’m very excited to take the field tomorrow.” His response suggested that India, the defending champions and eight-time Asia Cup winners, would bring their trademark intensity to the tournament.
Salman Ali Agha echoed a similar sentiment but emphasized individual freedom: “If someone wants to be aggressive, that’s their call. From my side, I don’t give anyone any instructions.” He also downplayed India’s status as favorites, noting, “In T20 cricket, no one is a favorite. A couple of overs can change the game.” Agha’s comments reflect his leadership style, which has seen Pakistan win 13 of 23 T20Is under his captaincy, including a recent tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE.
The captains’ remarks set the tone for a fiercely competitive clash, but Agha’s quick departure from the press conference hinted at a desire to avoid unnecessary spotlight, perhaps due to the intense scrutiny he faces as Pakistan’s new T20I captain.
Social Media and Fan Reactions
The incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Some fans criticized Agha for what they perceived as a lack of sportsmanship, while others defended him, arguing that the handshake did occur and was blown out of proportion. The viral video of Yadav shaking hands with Naqvi further fueled debates, given Naqvi’s role as both PCB chairman and ACC president. Posts on X described the moment as “sparks already flying,” with users speculating about the India-Pakistan dynamic ahead of their September 14 showdown.
The incident also reignited discussions about the broader India-Pakistan cricket rivalry. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had earlier urged players and fans to maintain discipline and not “cross the line,” emphasizing that while the matches are watched by billions, they should remain a respectful competition. The handshake snub, whether intentional or not, added fuel to an already charged narrative.
What It Means for the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup 2025, running from September 9 to 28, is a crucial preparatory event for the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. India, in Group A with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, begin their campaign against UAE on September 10, while Pakistan face Oman on September 12. The marquee India-Pakistan clash on September 14 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to be a high-voltage encounter, with both teams fielding strong line-ups.
For Pakistan, Agha’s leadership will be under scrutiny. His team’s recent tri-series win and aggressive batting approach signal their intent, but the absence of stalwarts like Babar Azam places pressure on emerging players like Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi. India, led by Yadav and bolstered by players like Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill, aim for a ninth Asia Cup title, leveraging their depth and experience.
Conclusion: A Prelude to a Blockbuster Clash
The handshake incident at the Asia Cup press conference, whether a deliberate snub or a fleeting moment, has added intrigue to an already intense rivalry. Salman Ali Agha’s quick exit contrasted with Suryakumar Yadav’s composed engagement, setting the stage for a blockbuster India-Pakistan match. As both teams prepare for September 14, the focus will shift from off-field gestures to on-field performance. With aggression promised by both captains, fans can expect a thrilling contest that will captivate the cricketing world. For now, the tossed-aside handshake serves as a reminder that in India-Pakistan cricket, every moment—on or off the field—carries weight.
