NewKerala.com

Key Points

Pakistan captain Salman Agha has strongly criticized the Indian cricket team for their behavior during the Asia Cup. He accused India of disrespecting cricket itself by repeatedly refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players. The controversy escalated when Indian players wouldn't accept the winners' trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi after the final. Agha expressed hope that such incidents wouldn't continue as they're bad for the sport's spirit.

Key Points: Salman Agha Accuses India of Disrespecting Cricket Over Handshake Snub

  • Pakistan captain criticizes India's repeated refusal to shake hands throughout tournament
  • India declined to accept trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi after final
  • Agha claims Suryakumar Yadav greeted him privately but not publicly
  • First time in cricket history winners refused to accept championship trophy
3 min read

Salman Agha accuses India of 'disrespecting cricket' over handshake snub

Pakistan captain Salman Agha says India's refusal to shake hands and accept trophy from ACC chief disrespects cricket itself after Asia Cup final controversy.

"They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they're disrespecting cricket - Salman Agha"

Dubai, Sep 29

Pakistan captain Salman Agha accused the Men in Blue of disrespecting the game for their repeated refusal to shake the hands with the Pakistan team players throughout the Asia Cup.

The controversy over handshakes, which began on September 14 when India refused to shake hands with Pakistan players, in the final where Indian players refused to shake hands with their arch rivals for the third time in the tournament.

The Asia Cup final was also marred by another controversy as there was more than a 90-minute delay before the presentation ceremony began, with India refusing to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is the Asian Cricket Council chief and also the Interior Minister of Pakistan.

"What India have done this tournament is very disappointing. They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they're disrespecting cricket," Agha said at the press conference after losing to India by five wickets in the summit clash.

"Good teams don't do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfill our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words but they've been very disrespectful," he added.

Agha further said that if it had been up to Suryakumar, he would have shaken hands with Agha before the toss, claiming Suryakumar Uadav had greeted him during the pre-tournament captains’ press conference on September 9.

"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. 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," Agha said.

Asked about his views on the Indian team not being awarded the winners’ trophy, Agha replied, "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.

"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?"

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I support our team's decision. After what happened in the past with Pakistani players' behavior and their government's stance on terrorism, why should we pretend everything is normal? Sometimes you have to take a stand.
A
Arjun K
As a cricket fan, this is disappointing. The spirit of cricket is more important than these political games. We won the match fair and square - now show some class in victory! 🏏
S
Sarah B
I understand both sides, but refusing to accept the trophy from ACC president is too much. That's just childish behavior. Our team should represent India with dignity.
V
Vikram M
The players are just following instructions from the board. Don't blame them personally. This is clearly a political decision taken at higher levels. Focus on the cricket, we played brilliantly! 💙
A
Ananya R
Honestly, this entire drama is unnecessary. We won the Asia Cup, that's what matters. Let's celebrate our team's performance rather than getting into these controversies. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50