“Never Seen Anything Like This” – Salman Agha on Handshake Controversy

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha kept his cool ahead of the Asia Cup final against India, brushing aside the handshake controversy that has dominated headlines this week.

The incident, which saw India skip the customary handshake with Pakistan players, became the center of media attention, but Agha says the team is keeping its focus on the game.

Agha reflected on the unusual situation, noting that it is a first in his long career.

“I started playing professional cricket in 2007 and I have never seen two teams not shake hands. Even in tougher times, players respected this tradition. I don’t think it’s good for cricket,” he said.

The series has seen tensions rise both on and off the field. During the Super Four clash, fast bowlers from both sides, including Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, exchanged words with India’s top batters.

Rauf was fined for aggressive conduct, but Agha defended his players’ intensity, saying aggression is part of the game.

“If you take away aggression from fast bowlers, they can’t be effective. I have no problem with players showing aggression, whether it’s our side or theirs,” he added.