Salman Agha's Post-Match Absence: Pakistan Coach Reveals Handshake Snub Triggered Asia Cup Controversy vs. India

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson explained the reasons behind captain Salman Agha’s absence from the post-match presentation ceremony following their Asia Cup 2025 clash against India on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

After Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat, Salman did not attend the presentation. Hesson stated that the decision was a “flow-on effect” of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team refusing to shake hands with the Pakistan players.

“I think what happened was just a flow-on effect. We were keen to engage, to shake hands at the end of the match, but it didn’t happen — and that was pretty much the end of it,” Hesson said in the post-match press conference.

The match was mired in controversy, set against the backdrop of escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack last April, which led to India launching Operation Sindoor.

‘Disappointing way for the match to finish’

Before the match, during the toss conducted by Ravi Shastri, Salman and Suryakumar did not shake hands. After the match, the Pakistan players lined up to shake hands, but the Indian players were not present.

Hesson, who took charge as Pakistan coach, expressed disappointment that the Indian team had gone straight to their dressing room without participating in the post-match handshake.

“Well, look — we were obviously ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opponents didn’t do the same. We went over to shake hands, but they had already headed into the changing rooms,” Hesson said.

“It was a disappointing way for the match to finish — not just because of that, but also because we were disappointed with how we played. That said, we were absolutely willing to shake hands,” Hesson added.

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

"Just wanted to say something. I think it's the perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity," the Indian captain said.

"We want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we will give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile," he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will be looking to bounce back when they face the UAE in their final group match on September 17 in Dubai.