The Indian team collectively decided not to shake hands with Pakistan players after the T20 Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14 to express their solidarity with Pahalgam terror attacks. India captain Suryakumar Yadav hit the winning runs and walked back to the dressing room. In response, Pakistan captain Salman Agha did not turn up for the post-match presentation. Later, Pakistan manager filed a formal protest with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) against match referee Andy Pycroft who told Agha to not shake Suryakumar’s hands at coin toss.
"The match referee Andy Pycroft had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart. The Pakistan team management has lodged a protest, calling the behaviour against the spirit of sports," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
"Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest against the behaviour of the Indian team, as the ceremony host was also an Indian."
Pycroft is yet to respond to PCB’s allegations.
Hesson on why Agha missed post-match presentation
In the post-match press conference, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson faced the reporters. He expressed disappointment over customary handshake snub and said that Agha not talking after the match was a result of it.
“I think it's just the flow-on effect of the fact that we were obviously keen to engage and shake hands at the end of the match. That didn't happen. That was pretty much the end of it,” Hesson said.
“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn't do that. We sort of went over there to shake hands and they were already going to the changing room. That was a disappointing way for the match to end. In a match where we were already disappointed with the way we played, we were at least willing to go and shake hands.”
What Suryakumar said in press conference
Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar expressed his solidarity with the victims of the dastardly terrorist attacks in Pahalgam earlier this year. He thanked the Indian Army for a successful Operation Sindoor.
“I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsmanship. I said at the presentation as well that we stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. And we stand with their families too, expressing our solidarity, Suryakumar told the reporters.
"Also, as I said at the post-match presentation, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. And as they continue to inspire us all, we will try our best, whenever given an opportunity, to inspire them as well, if possible.”
India have qualified for the Super Fours whereas Pakistan will face UAE on September 17 in must-win clash.