Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha shared his views on the Indian team reportedly denying to take part in the photoshoot event for the Asia Cup final. Not only did the Indian team not participate in the photoshoot, but also didn't interact at all with the media leading to not pre-match press-conference. They rather decided to rest for a full day after what was a gruelling match against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Agha reacted to Indian team's photoshoot refusal and remarked that it is their choice if they want to come or not.
“Sir wo jo marzi karte rahein (let them do what they want to). We will follow the protocol. Rest, it’s up to them. Unko aana hai aaye, nahi aana to naa aaye (They can come if they want to)," Agha said at the pre-match press-conference.
Agha on Pakistan pacers' provocative gestures
On the other hand, Agha doesn't want pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to keep their aggression in check when they take the field against India for the final. This comes after the two had verbal exchanges with Indian batters Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill during the Men in Blue's previous match in the tournament against their arch-rivals.
Even though Rauf was punished by the ICC for his provocative gestures during the match, Agha feels that the Pakistan bowlers didn't cross the line and added that there was no issue with their actions.
"If someone wants to be aggressive on the ground, then why not. If you deprive a fast bowler of their aggression, then what's left? Every player knows how to deal with their emotions. I give players license to react the way they want at the ground. As long as they're not disrespecting anyone and stay within the line, I have no issues with that," Agha stated.
Meanwhile, this will be the first time that India and Pakistan will be clashing against each other in the Asia Cup final. This will also be the third time that the two arch-rivals will be facing-off in the ongoing edition of the tournament. The Men in Blue may have won the two previous matches over the Men in Green, however it remains to be seen if they will be able to do the same in the final as well.