The 2025 Asia Cup will be remembered for the drama between India and Pakistan. The tournament, marked by clashes and tension, saw further controversy during the final match. Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha created a stir when he refused to participate in a conversation with Indian commentator Ravi Shastri at the coin toss.
The tension between India and Pakistan had been high even before the competition began, and this carried over into the matches. The final offered a chance for a shift in dynamics, but an unforeseen event unfolded before the match commenced.
Ravi Shastri had handled the toss duties for India’s matches throughout the tournament, including the previous India-Pakistan games. For the final, Waqar Younis, a former Pakistan captain and commentator, joined Shastri. The reason was Agha, who refused to talk to Shastri. As a result, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav spoke with Shastri, while the Pakistani captain interacted with Waqar Younis.
This scenario, with commentators from each country present for the toss interviews, is an unusual sight in cricket.
(News update in progress)