Fact Check: Did Suryakumar Yadav Ignore Pakistan Captain Salman Agha’s Handshake?
All the captains of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the other teams came together for a joint press conference before the Asia Cup 2025 began on Tuesday. As expected, most of the questions were aimed at India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha, since their teams are seen as the biggest contenders.
Reporters asked about the fierce India-Pakistan rivalry and whether India are the clear favourites. But it was what happened right at the end of the press conference that really set the mood for the rest of the tournament. As the press conference ended, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha didn't wait for customary handshakes or hugs on the stage.
Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan Captain Salman Agha..(This video is for those saying that the Pakistan captain wasn't sitting next to the Indian players and they didn’t even shake hands)pic.twitter.com/76CSDcJIQW
— Sporttify (@sporttify) September 9, 2025
In the press conference, which was live-streamed, Salman was spotted heading straight away towards the exit door after the Q&A session ended. India captain Suryakumar, however, shook hands and hugged other captains on the stage, including Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, before the event ended.
A little later, another video came out showing that the Pakistan captain did shake hands with the other skippers before leaving through the exit. In it, Salman and Suryakumar came face-to-face and exchanged a handshake.
India, Pakistan captains share views on aggression ahead of Asia Cup clash
The Indian captain was also asked about keeping his players’ aggression in check against Pakistan, but the 34-year-old chose not to comment on it.
"Aggression (is) always there on field and you can't do without aggression if you want to win," Suryakumar said.
In reply to the same question, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said he wants his players to play freely and follow their natural game without holding back.
"If someone wants to be aggressive that is his call. From my side I don't give anyone any instructions," he said.
Suryakumar also said that his team is in a good space of mind after undergoing extensive practice sessions. "We have got few practice sessions. Feels good. It's will be a good challenge playing best teams from Asia Cup," he said.
India will start their Group A campaign in the T20 tournament on Wednesday against the UAE. Their next match will be on Sunday, where they face their biggest rivals, Pakistan.
ALSO SEE: Asia Cup 2025 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time, Venue & Full Details
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