Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra slammed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Garma for claiming that the Suryakumar Yadav-led side had 'disrespected' the sport during the Asia Cup 2025. Team India defended their Asia Cup title following a five-wicket win against Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
After the conclusion of the title decider, the presentation ceremony was delayed for more than an hour after India refused to accept the coveted title from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's interior minister. Mohsin Naqvi's stubbornness forced India to celebrate its win without the trophy. After the conclusion of the tournament, India's handshake controversy, which commenced from the group stage clash, once again became the talk of the town.
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Salman Agha for India's take
Team India refused to shake hands with Pakistan following the long-standing tradition in the group stage and the Super Fours. The trend from their previous encounters continued in the final, leaving Pakistan skipper Salman whining about the alleged 'disrespect' shown to his team by India after they again declined to shake hands.
"What India has done this tournament is very disappointing. They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands; they're disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfil our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words, but they've been very disrespectful," Salman said at the press conference after the final.
Amit Mishra slammed Salman Agha
After Agha's statement, Amit Mishra schooled Pakistan's captain on the fact, while declaring that there is no need for India to engage in such gestures against their will.
"Is there any rule that we have to shake hands? We play cricket, we don't want to be friends with you, we don't want to shake hands, it's our wish. Is there any rule in the rule book that we have to shake hands? We have played three matches, and we have defeated you in all three. After that, what do you want? Do you want us to be friends with you? Why should we? It's our wish. We won't do it," Mishra said while speaking exclusively to ANI.
"I salute the entire Indian team. The Indian team stood by their words. If we wanted, we wouldn't even play the game. If you had fined us, we would have paid it, but we respected you, and played cricket with you. You don't deserve it, it's clear, you don't deserve it," Mishra added.
Notably, India and Pakistan faced each other thrice in the Asia Cup 2025, where the Suryakumar Yadav-led side came victorious in all three occasions by seven, six and five wickets respectively.