Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Sep 29: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment over India’s decision not to shake hands with the Pakistani team during the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, calling it “disrespectful” to cricket and a poor example for young fans. India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets to clinch their second T20 Asia Cup title.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Salman said, “What India have done in this tournament is very disappointing. They are not disrespecting us, they are disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t do what they did.”
The Pakistan skipper added that fulfilling obligations is an essential part of the sport. “We went to pose with the trophy on our own and stood there to take our medals. I don’t want to use harsh words, but they’ve been very disrespectful,” he said.
Salman highlighted a contrast in behaviour from India’s Suryakumar Yadav, who he said shook hands in private but not in public. “He shook hands with me at the start of the tournament, both at the pre-tournament press conference and in the referee’s meeting. But in front of cameras, they don’t shake our hands. I’m sure he’s following instructions, but if it was up to him, he’d shake hands with me,” he noted.
He defended the Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi’s role on the presentation dais, saying India declined to collect the trophy from the PCB chief. “Everything that happened today was a consequence of what happened earlier. Of course, the ACC president gives the trophy to the winners. If you won’t take it from him, how will you get it?” he added.
Salman expressed concern about the impact on young cricketers. “This is the first time I’ve seen this happen. Whatever happened in this tournament was very bad and I hope it stops. Kids watching in India or Pakistan are not seeing the right message. People think of us as role models, but if we behave like this, we are not inspiring them,” he said.
In a concluding remark, Salman revealed that the Pakistan team’s match fees from the tournament will be donated to the families affected by ‘Operation Sindoor,’ following the border tensions and the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam earlier this year.