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Pakistan Captain Salman Agha Skips Press Meet Amid Protest Over India's Handshake Snub

Akshita Patel

Salman Agha skips press conference [Source: @dhillow_/X.com]Salman Agha skips press conference [Source: @dhillow_/X.com]

The Asia Cup 2025 continues to be rocked by controversy as Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference on Tuesday, September 16, just a day before their crucial clash against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. The decision comes in the middle of the heated “handshake row” with arch-rivals India.

On Sunday, September 14, the Indian team refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts as a silent protest over the Pahalgam terrorist attack. However, the men in green were left furious and deemed it an act of disrespect.

Salman Agha Once Again Skips Press Conference

As a protest, Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony on Sunday. Moreover, amid the threat of a boycott, the skipper once again skipped the pre-match press conference in Dubai, which is a standard practice before the beginning of any game.

Pakistan and the UAE are set to compete on September 17. However, Pakistan is yet to clarify its stance on their participation. 

Interestingly, the PCB, however, lodged a formal protest with the ICC. They alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft had even advised Agha not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav before the toss.

The PCB has demanded Pycroft’s removal from the remainder of the Asia Cup, but the ICC has so far refused. Pycroft remains listed as the referee for Pakistan’s upcoming game against the UAE. The PCB is now waiting for an official response from the ICC.

Will Pakistan Boycott Asia Cup Clash Vs UAE?

While Pakistan skipped the press conference, the team did turn up for net practice at the Dubai International Stadium. Regardless, the PCB is yet to decide on the team’s further participation in the Asia Cup 2025 amid the ongoing handshake controversy with India and its standoff with ICC referee Andy Pycroft. 

According to Cricbuzz, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi held consultations with the government in Islamabad, and a final decision is expected on Wednesday.