Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said that the green team will donate their Asia Cup final runner up prize money to families of innocent civilians and children killed in May Indian attacks.
During his interaction with reporters, Salman slamming India’s “disappointing” conduct during the entire Asia Cup final 2025.
He said that “What India have done this tournament is very disappointing.”
“They’re not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they’re disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy 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.”
For the unversed, the Pakistani team fought hard, but India dominated the game.
In the early stages, Pakistani bowlers and batters showed resilience, but as the match progressed, the pressure began to weigh heavily on the green shirts.
Haris Rauf’s over proved to be a turning point, conceding crucial runs that shifted momentum in India’s favour.
Pakistan lost the final to India in a last-over thriller.
The post-match presentation was delayed for more than 90 minutes after the Indian side refused to accept the trophy from ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister. It capped a series of incidents where India avoided contact with Pakistan players and officials throughout the tournament.
ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stood firm and refused to bend as India declined to collect the trophy.
Presenter Simon Doull announced that the ACC had confirmed India would not receive their silverware, and the ceremony therefore concluded.
Even so, the chairman upheld protocol and signalled that the game’s institutions will not yield to pressure.
Salman Agha commented that “He (Indian Skipper) shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament,”
Agha said. “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.”
