The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan faces yet another controversy. Just a day before the title clash, captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha skipped the traditional trophy photoshoot. As a result, the already heated handshake saga dominating the tournament has become even more intense.

According to multiple reports, including Pakistan’s Geo News, the photoshoot scheduled for Saturday was canceled. Apparently, India refused to participate, breaking a long-standing custom followed before major finals.

Furthermore, the Indian team avoided the media. No players or coaches attended the customary pre-match press conference, which in turn fueled further speculation about growing tensions between the two sides.

Agha Speaks While India Stays Silent

While India chose to remain silent, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha addressed the press. In his remarks, he defended his team’s aggressive style and their right to show emotions on the field.

“Every individual has the right to express emotions. If we stop a fast bowler from showing emotions, what’s left then? I won’t stop anyone as long as it is not disrespectful,” Agha said.

Previously, Haris Rauf’s fiery gestures during the last encounter had sparked heated debates. However, Agha refused to rein in his fast bowlers, insisting that aggression is a natural and vital part of their game.

Handshake Saga Escalates

The handshake incident has now overshadowed the cricketing action. Agha expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that handshakes are a fundamental part of sportsmanship.

“I started playing U-16 in 2007. I never saw any teams not shaking hands. Even when Indo-Pak relations were worse, we still shook hands,” he recalled.
“My father is a huge fan of cricket. He also never told me anything about two teams playing a match but not shaking hands,” he added.

Focusing on the Trophy

Despite these controversies, Agha urged his team to ignore distractions and focus on their ultimate goal — winning the Asia Cup.

“We can’t control what’s happening outside. We can control the controllables. And that is winning the Asia Cup,” he said.

The highly anticipated final between India and Pakistan will be played on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Therefore, fans can expect both fierce competition on the field and lingering drama off it.