Emphasizing Sportsmanship: The Importance of Handshakes in Cricket

In the midst of tense relations between India and Pakistan, both on and off the cricket field, Pakistani captain Salman Agha voiced his surprise at the lack of customary handshakes between the teams after their Asia Cup matches. Agha expressed that he had never encountered such a scenario throughout his cricketing career, which began in 2007 at the Under-16 level. He noted that even during times of strained relations, India and Pakistan teams traditionally exchanged handshakes, a practice he believes is essential for the spirit of the game.

Agha made these remarks during a pre-match press briefing in Dubai, ahead of the Asia Cup final against India. The Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, opted not to engage in handshakes with the Pakistani team before or after their tournament encounters. This decision coincides with heightened tensions between the nations following the Pakistan-supported Pahalgam terrorist attack in April and India’s military response in May.

Inter-team antics escalated when Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s actions during a match against India prompted an intervention from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Rauf was fined 30% of his match fee for a breach of conduct, while Farhan received a warning after both displayed gestures seen as aggressive.

Agha defended his players’ expression of aggression, stating that every individual has a personal style of play and as long as respect is maintained, his players have the freedom to express themselves. He also mentioned reports about India declining a pre-final captains’ photoshoot with the trophy. Pakistan, however, would adhere to established protocols, leaving India to decide on participation.

The non-participation in the photoshoot was notable, as PCB chairman and ACC president Mohsin Naqvi prepared to attend the final and award the trophy to the winners. The Asia Cup, first held in 1984, will see India and Pakistan competing for the title.

Published on September 27, 2025.