India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup: Salman Agha Signals Willingness to Restore Handshake Tradition

In a significant development ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has indicated that his team is open to restoring the traditional pre-match handshake with India. His remarks come months after controversy erupted during the Asia Cup 2025, when Indian players declined the customary gesture following heightened tensions between the two nations.

Addressing the media at a pre-match press conference, Agha emphasized that Cricket must be played in the right spirit, irrespective of political sensitivities. However, he clarified that the final decision ultimately rests with India.

“Cricket should be played in the spirit it has always been played. From our side, we are willing. But they have the final say on what to do,” Agha stated.

The statement underscores Pakistan’s attempt to keep sporting engagement separate from diplomatic strain, especially in matches that carry enormous emotional and geopolitical weight.

Background: Asia Cup 2025 Handshake Controversy After Pahalgam Attack

The issue traces back to the Asia Cup 2025, held in the shadow of the Pahalgam terror attack in April that year. In the aftermath of the incident, India chose to forgo the traditional handshake before and after their match against Pakistan.

At the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands. Following India’s group-stage victory, players walked straight back to the dugout, bypassing the customary post-match exchange between the two sides.

The move sparked strong reactions within Pakistan’s cricketing establishment. Officials expressed displeasure, and tensions briefly escalated to the point where Pakistan reportedly considered skipping their next fixture in the tournament.

PCB’s Objection and ICC Involvement

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft intervened at the toss and prevented the two captains from shaking hands. According to the PCB’s account, Salman Ali Agha was informed in advance that Suryakumar Yadav would not participate in the gesture.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting that Pycroft not be assigned further matches in the competition. The Asia Cup had two appointed match referees, including Pycroft, a former Zimbabwe international.

While Pakistan initially threatened to boycott their subsequent match, the team eventually took the field against the United Arab Emirates, albeit after a brief delay. Later reports suggested that Naqvi held discussions with Pycroft, resolving the matter internally and preventing a deeper administrative rift.

Trophy Ceremony Dispute Rekindles Tensions

The controversy resurfaced during the post-match presentation ceremony. Reports indicated that Indian players hesitated to step onto the dais while Mohsin Naqvi was present. In response, PCB officials ordered the trophy to be temporarily removed from the stage.

The Indian team subsequently returned to the podium after officials stepped aside, collecting their medals and celebrating separately. Though the situation was eventually defused, it highlighted the fragile sporting relationship between the two cricketing giants.

India vs Pakistan: More Than Just Cricket

India vs Pakistan matches consistently transcend the boundaries of sport, reflecting broader political realities between the two neighboring nations. From bilateral series suspensions to ICC tournament clashes, every encounter carries symbolic weight far beyond the scoreboard.

Salman Agha’s latest remarks appear to signal a willingness from Pakistan to reset the narrative, at least within the framework of cricketing decorum. Whether the traditional handshake returns during the upcoming T20 World Cup match will depend on India’s stance.

As fans across the globe await the next chapter in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries, the focus remains on whether sporting spirit can prevail over diplomatic strain. In contests as emotionally charged as India vs Pakistan, even a simple handshake can carry powerful meaning.