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Pak Captain Agha on India Handshakes: "What I Expect Does Not Matter"

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha commented on the uncertain tradition of handshakes ahead of the high-voltage T20 World Cup clash against India. He stated that while his personal expectations do not matter, the game should be played in the right spirit as cricket has always been. The handshake tradition has been absent since the 2025 Asia Cup following geopolitical tensions. Agha also downplayed the importance of the toss, emphasizing that only good cricket over 40 overs determines the winner.

Key Points: Pak Skipper Agha on Handshakes with India Before T20WC Clash

  • Handshake tradition uncertain
  • Tensions followed Pahalgam attack
  • 'No handshake' trend in recent tournaments
  • Agha emphasizes spirit of the game
  • Downplays toss significance
2 min read

"What I expect, does not matter...": Pak skipper Agha on handshakes with India ahead of T20WC clash

Ahead of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match, captain Salman Ali Agha addresses the uncertain tradition of post-match handshakes.

"What I expect, obviously, does not matter. However, I believe the game should be played the same way it has been since the beginning of cricket. - Salman Ali Agha"

Colombo, February 14

Ahead of Pakistan's ICC T20 World Cup group stage clash against India, captain Salman Ali Agha spoke about the possibility of both teams shaking hands during the toss and after the match, saying that while what he expects does not matter, he wants the game to be played in the right spirit.

The much-anticipated India-Pakistan T20 clash will finally take place at Colombo on Sunday, following the Pakistan government's withdrawal of its earlier boycott call. However, whether the traditional handshakes between the teams will occur remains uncertain.

Following the attack in Pahalgam in April last year and rising tensions between the two nations, the senior Indian men's cricket team had refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan players before or after matches throughout the Asia Cup 2025 trilogy.

This 'no handshake' trend continued in subsequent encounters between India and Pakistan in various ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments, including the Asia Cup Rising Stars and the Under-19 Cricket World Cup matches.

Speaking ahead of the match in the pre-match presser, Agha said, "The game should be played in the same spirit. And what I expect, obviously, does not matter. However, I believe the game should be played the same way it has been since the beginning of cricket. And the rest is up to them and whatever they want to do."

On the significance of the toss, Agha emphasised that it merely marks the start of the game and does not determine the outcome.

"At the end of the day, if you win or lose the toss, you will win the match only if you play good cricket. If you win the toss and do not play good cricket, or if you lose the toss and do not play good cricket, it doesn't matter. At the end of the day, the same things matter: how you play cricket. I think cricket will matter tomorrow. I think toss is a way to start a game. You have to play good cricket. You have to execute your plans to win for 40 overs," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's just a game of cricket, yaar. Why mix politics so much? A simple handshake shows sportsmanship. We should be the bigger people and keep the spirit of the game alive. Let's win with grace!
V
Vikram M
Respect to Agha for his mature response. He's focusing on the cricket, which is what matters. But our BCCI and team management know best. If they decide no handshake, I fully support it. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
Honestly, the handshake debate overshadows the actual match! Can't wait for Sunday. Hope it's a cracking game and we thrash them! 🔥 Focus should be on Virat's batting and Bumrah's yorkers.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US. The geopolitical tension adds such a unique layer to this rivalry. But Agha's point about the toss is spot-on—it's the 40 overs of cricket that truly count. Hope for a great match!
K
Kavya N
As an Indian cricket fan, I expect our team to be professional. A handshake is a basic courtesy. By refusing, we sometimes look petty on the world stage. We can be strong and courteous at the same time.
M
Michael C

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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