India defeated Pakistan thrice in the Asia Cup 2025 including the final on Sunday, Sept 28.
Former India spinner Amit Mishra has slammed Pakistan captain Salman Agha for repeatedly bringing up the fact that the Indian team refused to shake hands with them in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025 tournament.The
Indian team defeated Pakistan thrice in the tournament, including the final on Sunday, September 28, and became the 9-time Asia Cup champions. However, the tournament was full of drama and controversy, stemming from India’s refusal to shake hands with its Pakistani counterparts.
It began with Suryakumar Yadav not shaking hands with Salman Agha in the group game, and the Indian team snubbing the Pakistanis after defeating them by 7 wickets. This continued as India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in Super Fours and then by 5 wickets in the final.
After the final, Salman Agha, the captain of Pakistan, once again lamented India's alleged "disrespect" by refusing to shake hands with his team.
"What India has done in this tournament is very disappointing. They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands; they're disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfil our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words, but they've been very disrespectful," Salman said at the press conference after the final.
Agha was promptly reminded of this by Amit Mishra, who also stated that India does not have to participate in such actions against their will.
"Is there any rule that we have to shake hands? We play cricket, we don't want to be friends with you, we don't want to shake hands, it's our wish. Is there any rule in the rule book that we have to shake hands? We have played three matches, and we have defeated you in all three. After that, what do you want? Do you want us to be friends with you? Why should we? It's our wish. We won't do it," Mishra said while speaking to ANI.
Mishra expressed strong condemnation of any unjust treatment and commended Team India for their professionalism and stance, saying that they are committed to playing despite tensions.
"I salute the entire Indian team. The Indian team stood by their words. If we wanted, we wouldn't even play the game. If you had fined us, we would have paid it, but we respected you, and played cricket with you. You don't deserve it, it's clear, you don't deserve it," Mishra added.