• Source:JND
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India vs Pakistan Final: After losing the Asia Cup 2025 final to the Suryakumar Yadav-led side, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his disappointment over the Indian cricket team's "no handshake" policy during their continental showpiece meetings, describing it as a "disrespectful" gesture.

India thrashed arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in a highly volatile Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday to win their second tournament title in the T20 format and 9th overall.

Salman also criticised India's decision to refuse the winner's trophy and medals from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, blaming the Men in Blue for disrespecting the sport of cricket.

"What India have done this tournament is very disappointing. They are not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did," the Pakistan skipper said at the post-match press conference.

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"We went to pose with the trophy (photo shoot) 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 added.

Salman claimed that Suryakumar has been a different person in public when it came to exchanging courteousness compared to how he behaved in private.

"He shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament, both at the pre-tournament press conference, and when we met in the referee's meeting. But when they're out in the world in front of the cameras, they don't shake our hands," the Pakistan skipper said.

"I'm sure he's following the instructions he's been given, but if it was up to him, he'd shake hands with me," he added.

Salman justified the unusual trophy presentation ceremony, describing that ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi's actions were a reply to India's unwillingness to accept the silverware from him.

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"Everything that happened today was a consequence of all that happened (before). Of course, the ACC president will give the trophy to the winners. If you won't take the trophy from him, how will you get it?" he countered.

"This is the first time I've ever seen this happen. Whatever happened in this tournament was very bad, and I hope it stops at some stage because it's bad for cricket," Salaman said.

While finishing his press conference, Salman claimed that the Pakistan team will donate their entire match fees to the families of those who died during the 'Operation Sindoor'.