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Why Did Pakistan Captain Agha Salman Skip Post-Match Presentation After Defeat Vs India?

Jatin

Salman Agha skipped the presentation [Source: @iamAhmadhaseeb/x.com]Salman Agha skipped the presentation [Source: @iamAhmadhaseeb/x.com]

When the dust settled on the high-octane India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, the Men in Blue had thumped the Men in Green by seven wickets. Fireworks went off, the crowd roared and the players… just walked off.

Agha Salman Did Not Turn Up For IND vs PAK Post-Match Presentation

No smiles. Not even a single handshake. And in the middle of all that cold silence, one thing stuck out like a sore thumb: Pakistan skipper Agha Salman was nowhere to be seen at the post-match presentation.

This wasn’t just another India vs Pakistan game. The build-up was as tense as it gets. With the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack still fresh in everyone’s minds, fans from both sides had been split right down the middle.

Many felt this match shouldn’t go ahead at all. But because it was part of a multi-team tournament and not a bilateral series, the show went on with everyone quietly aware of the heavy backdrop behind the cricket.

Ice-Cold Vibes On The Field

Right from the first ball, the air felt different. No chatter, no smiles, no banter between players; just a cold, business-only vibe. Even when India cruised to victory, there were no handshakes, not even a courteous nod.

After smashing the winning six, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav didn’t celebrate wildly. He just strutted off the field and the rest of the Indian players followed suit straight into the dressing room.

On the other side, Pakistan players stood in a line, seemingly waiting for the customary handshakes but they were left high and dry.

A Silent Snub At The Post Match Presentation

So when the IND vs PAK post-match presentation rolled around, it felt even more awkward. Player of the Match Kuldeep Yadav and Suryakumar turned up. But Agha Salman, who should have been there as Pakistan’s captain, was nowhere in sight.

Word in the corridors hinted that the cold behaviour from India’s players left a sour taste. With no handshakes, no courtesy and no acknowledgment, Salman reportedly decided to give the post-match ceremony a miss. 

As confirmed by TOI journalist Sahil Malhotra, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson said "We were ready to shake hands, disappointed opposition didn't do that." And as a result, Agha Salman skipped the presentation ceremony.

Meanwhile, in a match that promised fireworks, it was the frost between the two teams that stole the show at the end. India grabbed the points, Pakistan were left licking their wounds and the world got a glimpse of just how deep this rivalry runs.