Fact Check: Did India captain Suryakumar Yadav refuse to shake Pakistan captain Salman Agha’s hand?

Asia Cup 2025: Internet is divided, if the India and Pakistan skippers shake hands at the pre-tournament press conference.

And the Asia Cup is just a few hours away now, after all the skippers from the eight participating teams, met in Dubai for a press conference on Tuesday. Even as the captains gathered to answer the questions of the journalists, all eyes were on India leader Suryakumar Yadav, and Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, and if they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

Suryakumar Yadav Shakes Hands With Pakistan Skipper

Somehow, many reports surfaced online that the duo did not shake hands, and Agha left the stage without acknowledging SKY. But that is not true. The two did shake hands, while the Indian was leaving the stage. Yes, it is safe to say that it was just a customary gesture, and the two proceeded right after that, without having a word, or so does a video claim.

IND vs PAK on September 14

In fact, Surya shook hands with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi as well, and the images are going viral now. Meanwhile, both the captains avoided talking about the other team, and instead focused on answering for their team only. When asked about aggression in the match against Pakistan, Surya responded: “Aggression (is) always there on field and you can’t do without aggression if you want to win.” On the other hand, Salman Ali Agha responded to the same question and said, “If someone wants to be aggressive that is his call. From my side I don’t give anyone any instructions.”

Team India play their first match on September 10 against UAE, and their second encounter will be against Pakistan on September 14. Both can play each other thrice in the tournament, if they do manage to reach the final. The tournament ends on September 28.