The Asia Cup 2025 handshake controversy is back in the headlines after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga opened up about what actually happened on the field. That tournament was already filled with emotions, tension and drama, but the moment of not shaking hands made it even bigger.
India dominated Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2026 by winning all three matches including the final, but the biggest talking point was what happened before and after the games in Dubai. The Indian cricket team decided not to shake hands with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup 2025.
Salman Ali Aga revives Asia Cup 2025 handshake controversy
This was done as a protest after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025. He avoided Pakistani players throughout the tournament. Even though it was carried forward by the Indian teams, both men and women, across all age groups. This sparked massive controversy in the cricket world.
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Now, Salman Ali Aga has shared new information about the incident. The Pakistan captain revealed that he and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had congratulated each other during the pre-tournament press conference and also during the trophy photoshoot.
But things suddenly changed at the time of the toss. Salman Ali Aga revealed that just before leaving he was informed that there would be no handshake from the Indian side. This surprised him.
It’s not that I was desperate to shake hands: Salman Ali Aga
Salman Ali Aga said on ARY Podcast: “Before the tournament, a press conference was held, during which there was a handshake. During the trophy photoshoot, we also shook hands. So, when I went for the toss, I was completely normal. Of course, I had an idea that things would not be so normal, but I did not think that it would go so far that there would be no handshake. I did not expect this.”
The all-rounder also said that he was not informed before the toss that there would be no handshake, but he accepted the decision calmly. Explaining the situation, Salman said: “I went to the toss with my media manager, Naeem Bhai. The match referee – I don’t remember his name – took me aside and told me, “They’re going to do this; There will be no handshake, so please keep that in mind.” I replied, “If there is no handshake, then so be it.”
He further added, “It’s not that I was desperate to shake hands. So that’s how it happened; he had already told me that no one would shake hands. After the match was over we lost and we were going to his pavilion to shake hands; he still didn’t shake hands.”
This sends a wrong message: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga
The Pakistani captain stressed that India’s move was not right as players are role models and such actions can influence the youth.
He concluded by saying, “I’ve said it before that I don’t think it’s right. When we represent a nation, people look up to us, especially youngsters who follow our example. If something like this happens, it could affect behavior in future games. As a role model, I believe that’s not the right thing to do.”
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No handshake, no trophy
The same tough stance was seen again later, as India continued its no-hands attitude in the T20 World Cup as well. Another controversy occurred in the Asia Cup final. After winning the title, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his players refused to share a stage with ACC president Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister. The players got their individual awards, but the Indian team is yet to receive the trophy as Naqvi left the venue with the silverware.