Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha declined an interview at the post-match presentation after their seven-wicket loss to India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The skipper avoided a handshake at the toss and after the game in the tense group-stage match between two arch rivals. Before going to the dressing room, India captain Suryakumar and teammate Shivam Dube congratulated each other after scoring the winning runs.
They clasped hands with their colleagues at the dugout but avoided the Pakistan players, who shook hands and went to their dressing room.
The animosity also affected the post-match presentation, where captains normally reflect on the game. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha did not attend. A collective bowling performance and Suryakumar Yadav’s unbroken innings helped India overcome Pakistan by seven wickets in the high-calibre match.
Pakistan reached 127/9 in 20 overs after batting first, despite Sahibzada Farhan’s brave innings and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s brilliant cameo. Pakistan’s top scorer was Farhan, who scored 40 off 44 deliveries with three sixes and a four. Shaheen scored 16 off 33 with four sixes.
India easily chased the 128-run mark with three wickets and 25 balls to spare. Captain Suryakumar struck an unbeaten 47 from 37 deliveries, while Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma scored 31 each. Pakistan’s only wicket was Saim Ayub, who took three wickets for 35 runs in four overs.
