Ahead of the crucial Asia Cup 2025 Final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has stated that he will continue to support his team for their on-field antics, no matter how controversial they are. He went on to say that he gives his players the flexibility to react as they see fit, as long as they do not violate national sovereignty.
Notably, Salman’s words came after Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi made contentious on-field gestures during the last match against India. Rauf was strongly penalised for his behaviour, as his gestures were absolutely inappropriate. Salman stated that, while Rauf was punished for his actions, he does not find them insulting to the opposition and is also fine with the pacer being aggressive on the pitch.
“If someone wants to be violent on the ground, why not? What happens if you take away a fast bowler’s aggression? Each athlete understands how to deal with their emotions. I give players the freedom to react whatever they want on the pitch. I don’t mind if they don’t disrespect anyone and keep within the lines,” the Pakistani captain stated during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
Not to have handshakes is not good for cricket: Salman Ali Agha
The biggest topic of debate in the Asia Cup for all the India vs Pakistan games has been the handshakegate saga, which unfolded after the Indians refused to shake hands with the Men in Green side before and after the match. Salman says that in almost two decades of him playing cricket professionally, he had never heard or encountered of a game where the two teams did not follow the customary handshake. He feels that it is not good for the game’s sake.
“I’ve been playing professional cricket since 2007. I’ve never seen no handshakes between two teams. My dad is a huge fan of cricket and used to tell me about its history. He never told me about any game where there’s not been a handshake. I’ve heard it’s never happened before. When India-Pakistan games took place in even more tense situations, handshakes always happened. Not to have handshakes is not good for cricket. If someone wants to be aggressive, whether they’re from my team or their team, I have no issues with that, but you should shake hands at the end of it,” he added.
Speaking of the final, the arch-rivals will meet in the summit clash of the tournament for the first time in the continental competition’s 41-year-long history. As a result, a highly spiced-up contest is expected as India will look to
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