New Delhi: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said cricket should be played in the right spirit as he opened up on the handshake controversy ahead of his
side’s clash against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in a marquee clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.
Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistani players and their support staff throughout the Asia Cup 2025 last year in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The two teams met thrice in the Asia Cup, including the final. However, the Indian players refused a customary handshake with the Pakistani players on all three occasions.
India also refused to accept the trophy from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi after beating Pakistan in the final. India are yet to receive the trophy, which remains locked at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai.
When asked if the Pakistan team would shake hands with their Indian counterparts during their clash on Sunday, Agha said the game should be played in the right spirit. He insisted Pakistan are open to the customary handshake, but said the decision will rest on the Indian players.
“Cricket should be played in spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played the way it has always been played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” said Agha.
Pakistan threatened to boycott tournament over handshake row
Angered by India’s handshake snub gesture, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to boycott the Asia Cup 2025. PCB accused match referee Andy Pycroft or preventing the handshake between Pakistan captain Salman Agha and Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav during the toss in the first meeting between the two teams in the tournament.
PCB wrote to ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal from the tournament and threatened to boycott the remainder of the tournament. However, the Pakistan team did turn up for their next match against UAE, albeit an hour late. The matter was reportedly resolved after Pycroft tendered an apology.
However, he was not removed from the tournament and officiated in the game between Pakistan and UAE. India and Pakistan met twice in the later stages of the tournament, including the final, however, the Indian players maintained the handshake snub.
