Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has opened up about the recent handshake controversies involving India-Pakistan matches across teams and formats. The all-rounder stated that such actions are not good for the game, adding that cricketers are role models and should set the right example on the field.
Pakistan will face the Netherlands in their opening match of the upcoming tournament at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday, February 7. If the Men in Green suffer a defeat, they could become the first team to be eliminated within the opening three hours of the 20-team ICC tournament.
With reports of Pakistan boycotting the group match against India, they must win all their remaining group-stage matches to stay alive in the tournament.
Such Acts Are Not Good for the Game – Salman Ali Agha on India’s No Handshake Stance
Ahead of Pakistan’s opening match, Salman Ali Agha addressed the ongoing handshake controversy. He said that such behaviour harms the spirit of cricket, as cricketers are role models and should set the right example on the field.
“Such acts are not good for the game. Cricketers are role models, and role models do not commit such acts,” Salman said, as quoted by Pakistani social media.
SALMAN ALI AGHA ON HANDSHAKE CONTROVERSY
“Such acts are not good for the game. Cricketers are role models, and role models do not commit such acts”👌 pic.twitter.com/LaglvpBDZE
— junaiz (@dhillow_) February 6, 2026
The handshake issue between India and Pakistan first came up during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in September, when Indian players chose not to shake hands with Pakistan in the group stage.
India’s stance continued in women’s cricket on October 5 at the Women’s World Cup in Colombo. In the U19 World Cup, India’s Ayush Mhatre avoided a handshake with Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf.
I’ll Be Batting at Number 3 in the T20 World Cup – Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha confirmed his role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Pakistan skipper stated that he will bat at number three ahead of Babar Azam for Pakistan in the tournament.
“I’ll be batting at number 3 in the T20 World Cup.”
Salman Ali Agha said, “I’ll be batting at number 3 in the T20 World Cup.” 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/n0KakP2KLp
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 6, 2026
The captain’s promotion has forced a major change in Pakistan’s batting lineup. Babar has been pushed down to the No. 4 position. The former skipper batted at No. 4 during the recent home series against Australia.
Pakistan Government Decides to Boycott India Match Amid Ongoing Tensions
The Government of Pakistan decided to boycott the match against India. Notably, the BCCI and the Indian government agreed with the ICC to play the game at a neutral venue.
The Pakistan government took this step after Bangladesh were removed from the World Cup. Bangladesh had refused to play in India due to security concerns and wanted their matches moved to Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected the request.
Pakistan have accused the ICC of double standards and of ignoring security issues. India and Pakistan do not play bilateral matches in each other’s countries and meet only at neutral venues in ICC events.
Also read: Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan and Jay Shah-led ICC’s secret talks LEAKED over T20 World Cup row
