A new controversy has emerged in the Asia Cup 2025, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodging a formal protest. The incident involves the Indian team’s actions after the match. After the game’s conclusion, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube of the Indian team immediately left the field for the changing room. The Pakistani team remained on the field, prepared for a handshake, which did not occur.
The PCB has subsequently released a statement regarding the issue, confirming that Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha received instructions not to approach Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB expressed that this situation was unacceptable. The match referee, Andy Pycroft, had also informed Captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss that there would be no handshake with the Indian captain. As a result, the Pakistan team management lodged a protest, decrying the actions as unsportsmanlike.
In protest, Salman Ali Agha did not participate in the post-match presentation, given that the ceremony was hosted by an Indian. The Pakistan team’s performance was below expectations, managing only 127 runs. The head coach Mike Hesson and Salman Agha expressed their disappointment, primarily due to the refusal of a post-match handshake.