Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha asserted that when it comes to showing civility, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has behaved differently in public than he has in private. In a fiercely contested Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, India defeated bitter rivals Pakistan by five wickets to claim their ninth continental title.
Reflecting his thoughts on the Indian team's 'No Handshake' policy, Salman speaking at the post-match press conference made some explosive accusations on Suryakumar Yadav. "He shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament, both at the pre-tournament press conference, and when we met in the referee's meeting. But when they're out in the world in front of the cameras, they don't shake our hands. I'm sure he's following the instructions he's been given, but if it was up to him, he'd shake hands with me," said the Pakistan captain.
Salman also termed the stance by the Indian team as "disrespectful" and not the ideal example of sportsmanship for young cricket fans who look up to them as role models.
"What India have done this tournament is very disappointing. They are not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did," said the Pakistan skipper.
Playing the sport involves fulfilling commitments, according to Salman. "We went to pose with the trophy (photo shoot) on our own because we wanted to fulfil our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words but they've been very disrespectful."
Such acts according to him will set a bad precedent for aspiring cricketers. "I'm not just a Pakistan captain, I'm a cricket fan. If a kid is watching in India or Pakistan, we're not sending them a good message."
Why it unfolded the way it did is a question only India should answer, Salman said.
Also Read | 'What more can I do': Suryakumar Yadav opens up on match fees donation to Indian Army and Pahalgam victims
Apparently in a last-minute move, Salman stated at the end of his news conference that the entire Pakistan team's match money would be donated to the relatives of those who lost their lives in "Operation Sindoor".
The Pahalgam attack, after 26 tourists were slain by terrorists, earlier this year prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor. And the geopolitical tension between India and Pakistan became a backdrop for the Asia Cup.
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