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"The game should be played in spirit": Pakistan captain Salman Agha ahead of India-Pakistan showdown
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has remained tight-lipped on whether his side will participate in a customary pre-match handshake with India ahead of their much-anticipated T20 World Cup clash on Sunday in Colombo. However, he asserted that regardless of the decision, players from both teams should uphold the spirit of the game in what promises to be a high-voltage clash.
His comments come in light of the India-Pakistan handshake row at the Asia Cup 2025, where hours before the game, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav reportedly informed his team that he would not participate in the customary handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss.
It is worth noting that it is customary for captains and players to shake hands at the toss and again after the match as a sign of mutual respect and sportsmanship. Speaking to media ahead of the match, Salman Ali Agha avoided making a definitive statement on whether Pakistan would engage in the traditional pre-match handshake with India.
“The game should be played in spirit. What I expect does not matter, but I believe cricket should be played the way it has always been played since it started. Rest. It’s up to them whatever they want to do,” Agha said.
Sunday’s showdown in Colombo is expected to draw huge attention, underlining the magnitude of the occasion. Both sides are coming off victories in their past encounters. Pakistan will be looking to execute their game plan effectively, particularly in pressure situations that have historically defined India-Pakistan clashes. Meanwhile, India will aim to maintain dominance over Pakistan.
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