Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga has recently opened up about the handshake controversies surrounding India-Pakistan matches across teams and formats. The all-rounder said that such actions are not good for the game, adding that cricketers are role models and should set the right example on the field.
Pakistan will take on Netherlands in their opening match of the upcoming tournament at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday, February 7. If the Men in Green lose, they could become the first team to be eliminated within the opening three hours of the 20-team ICC tournament.
With reports of Pakistan boycotting the group match against India, they will have to win all their remaining group-stage matches to remain in the tournament.
Such actions are not good for sports – Salman Ali Aga on India’s no handshake stance
Before Pakistan’s opening match, Salman Ali Aga addressed the ongoing handshake controversy. He said that such behavior hurts the spirit of cricket, as cricketers are role models and should set the right example on the field.
“Such actions are not good for the game. Cricketers are role models and role models do not do such things,” Salman was quoted as saying by Pakistani social media.
Salman Ali Agha on handshake controversy
“Such actions are not good for the game. Cricketers are role models and role models do not do such things.” pic.twitter.com/LaglvpBDZE
– Junaz (@dhilllow_) 6 February 2026
The issue of handshake between India and Pakistan first came to light during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in September, when Indian players decided not to shake hands with Pakistan in the group stage.
India’s dominance in women’s cricket continued at the Women’s World Cup in Colombo on 5 October. At the U19 World Cup, India’s Ayush Mhatre avoided shaking hands with Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousuf.
I will bat at number 3 in T20 World Cup- Salman Ali Aga
Salman Ali Aga confirmed his role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Pakistan captain said that he will bat at number three ahead of Babar Azam for Pakistan in the tournament.
“I will bat at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup.”
Salman Ali Aga said, “I will bat at number 3 in the T20 World Cup.” pic.twitter.com/n0KakP2KLp
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 6 February 2026
The promotion of captain has forced major changes in Pakistan’s batting lineup. Babar has been pushed to number four. The former captain batted at number 4 during the recent home series against Australia.
Pakistan government decides to boycott India’s match amid ongoing tension
The Pakistan government decided to boycott the match against India. Notably, the BCCI and the Government of India agreed with the ICC to play the game at a neutral venue.
The Pakistan government took this step after Bangladesh was out of the World Cup. Bangladesh had refused to play in India due to security concerns and wanted to have their matches in Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected this request.
Pakistan has accused the ICC of adopting double standards and ignoring security issues. India and Pakistan do not play bilateral matches in each other’s country and only meet at neutral venues in ICC events.
Also read: Secret talks between Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan and Jay Shah-led ICC on T20 World Cup controversy leaked