NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha described the Indian team's decision to skip handshakes during the Asia Cup clash as "disrespectful" to the spirit of the game, saying it set a poor example for young fans who idolise cricketers.
On the field, India triumphed over their arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in a tense Asia Cup final in Dubai, claiming their second T20 tournament title.
"What India have done this tournament is very disappointing. They are not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did," the Pakistan skipper said at the post-match press conference.
Negative cheers to #pakistancricketteam #BOO
— Abhay Jamdade (@iamarj555) September 28, 2025
Disrespect shown by Pakistan caption salman agha throwing runner up cheque in front of all on stage @GovtofPakistan @TheRealPCB #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/wsnRawFFFd
For Salman, fulfilling obligations is a part of playing the sport.
"We went to pose with the trophy (photo shoot) 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."
'Shook hands in private, behaved differently in public'
Salman alleged that Suryakumar presented a different persona in public when it came to exchanging courtesies, contrasting sharply with his private behavior.
"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 the world in front of the cameras, they don't shake our hands.
Salman Ali Agha on 🔥 in presser ⬇️
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) September 28, 2025
“ACC President sy trophy ni lain gy to kesy mily gi?”
“Jo ohno ny ground main kiya ye osk consequences hn.”
“Ap hmsy poch ry hain start ohno ny kiya.”
“Aaj wo jeet ry hn to 90s main hamny b unkonis tara haraya hai.”
pic.twitter.com/IREYNrOuDA
"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 attempted to justify Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi's decision to step onto the presentation dais before walking away with the trophy, explaining that India were not handed the trophy because they chose not to accept it from the PCB chief.
"Everything that happened today was a consequence of all that happened (before). Of course, the ACC president will give the trophy to the winners. If you won't take the trophy from him, how will you get it?" he countered.
He felt that at some point this kind of things needs to stop.
"This is the first time I've ever seen this happen. Whatever happened in this tournament was very bad, and I hope it stops at some stage because it's bad for cricket."
The Pakistan captain said these kind of incidents will set a wrong example for budding cricketers.
"I'm not just a Pakistan captain, I'm a cricket fan. If a kid is watching in India or Pakistan, we're not sending them a good message."
Why it unfolded the way it did is a question only India should answer, Salman said.
"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 (of India) responsible for this rather than me."
While concluding his press conference, Salman, apparently in an afterthought, claimed that the match fees of the entire Pakistan team will be donated to the families of those who died during the 'Operation Sindoor'.
The Asia Cup was being held in the backdrop of border tensions between India and Pakistan after 26 tourists were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam earlier this year leading to military action by India under Operation Sindoor.
(With PTI Inputs)