Pakistan open to shaking hands with India: Captain Salman Agha

INS vs PAK T20 World Cup: Pakistan captain Salman Agha has said that his team is open to shaking hands with India. India refused to shake hands with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack last year.

Salman Ali Agha has said that the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash should be played in the right spirit, adding that his team is open to the customary handshake. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s marquee encounter, the Pakistan captain said the decision ultimately rests with India.

“Cricket should be played in spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played the way it has always been played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” Agha said.

The comments come in the backdrop of the handshake controversy that erupted earlier this year. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, India opted against the customary handshake during the Asia Cup 2025 fixture between the two sides. At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined the handshake, and Indian players walked straight back to the dugout after their group-stage win.

Pakistan were left angered by the gesture and briefly threatened to boycott their subsequent fixture in the tournament.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), match referee Andy Pycroft intervened at the toss to prevent the customary handshake between the two captains.

A day after the match, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that he had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking Pycroft’s removal from the remainder of the tournament. Pycroft, a former Zimbabwe international, was one of two match referees appointed for the Asia Cup.