Which cricketer is trending the most in Asia Cup 2025?
The Asia Cup 2025 has witnessed plenty of on-field action, but in the ongoing edition, the off-field moments have grabbed headlines. The player who is trending on top is Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, as he has been at the centre of every controversy. With India and Pakistan featuring another Super Four clash in Dubai on September 21, the drama around Agha continues to trend as the biggest talking point of the tournament.
IND-PAK handshake controversy
After the horrific Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, the Indian government gave a green signal only for multilateral tournaments, ruling out bilateral contests. However, when the two teams met in Dubai on September 14, India decided to skip the customary pre- and post-match handshakes with Pakistan, a decision taken in alignment with the BCCI and the Indian government.
In their group-stage clash, no handshakes were exchanged before or after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan. Even at the toss, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha avoided the customary handshake. After the match, Indian players immediately left the field, while Suryakumar and Shivam Dube walked off, with the team later closing the dressing room gates.
The Indian skipper later clarified that this was a deliberate move and dedicated the win to the Armed forces. Pakistan’s coach, Mike Hesson, later revealed that his team had been waiting for the handshakes only to find themselves ignored.
Salman Agha skips post-match interview
Pakistan’s skipper, Salman Agha, decided not to appear for the mandatory post-match presentation. The PCB confirmed this was a protest move, claiming India’s actions were against sportsmanship. The board also alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft had requested both captains not to shake hands before the toss.
Pakistan demands Pycroft’s removal
Hours after the match, the PCB lodged a formal complaint against Pycroft, demanding his immediate removal. They accused him of violating the spirit of cricket by becoming a party to one side. The ICC rejected the demand, stating Pycroft had just conveyed instructions that came from the ACC venue manager based on India’s position.
The PCB did not take the rejection lightly and hinted at withdrawing from the Asia Cup altogether, and even cancelled its pre-match press conference before facing the UAE.
PCB threatens to withdraw from Asia Cup 2025
The drama escalated when Pakistan players delayed their arrival for the UAE game, with the toss pushed back by an hour. The PCB had instructed players to stay at the hotel until a meeting with the ICC was concluded. Only after a last-minute discussion between Agha, Hesson, and Pycroft, where the latter expressed regret over the “miscommunication,” did Pakistan take the field.
Despite this, the PCB released a statement claiming Pycroft had apologised, while the ICC stated he had clarified the situation. On September 21, India and Pakistan squared off again in Dubai for the Super Fours, and once again, no handshake took place at the toss between Suryakumar and Salman Agha.
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