Pakistan National Cricket Team captain Salman Agha has broken his silence on the India National Cricket Team skipper Suryakumar Yadav skipping the captains’ photoshoot before the Asia Cup 2025 final.
India and Pakistan will face off against each other in the high-voltage summit clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 28.
If he wants to come, he can. If he doesn’t, that’s fine too – Salman Agha
There is a tradition of the captains of the two teams playing in the finals taking part in the pre-match photoshoots just before the summit clash. This is seen across all the tournaments in the world, including World Cup, Champions Trophy, IPL, BBL, SA20, and other leagues as well.
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However, things are about to change in the Asia Cup 2025 as there will be no captains’ photoshoot before the final of the continental tournament between the Men In Green and Men In Blue.
As per several media reports, the captains’ photoshoot was cancelled after the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to attend it with his Pakistani counterpart.
When asked about Suryakumar Yadav reportedly refusing to come for the photoshoot at the press conference, Salman Agha said that he will follow the protocol and the Indian skipper can do whatever he wants to.
“We will follow the protocol. If he wants to come, he can. If he doesn’t, that’s fine too,” the Pakistan National Cricket Team skipper said.
If someone wants to be aggressive on the ground, then why not? – Salman Agha
In the Super Four match against India, Haris Rauf was seen doing the delusional jet-crash gesture while Sahibzada Farhan pulled off a gun celebration for which the duo have been reprimanded by the ICC.
However, Salman Agha is in no mood to stop his players from doing provocative things against India and backed them to continue doing that, but by staying within the limits.
“Every individual has their own ways; if someone wants to be aggressive on the ground, then why not? If you take the aggression from a fast bowler, then what’s left?I fully welcome any player who shows aggression, whether he is from our side or the opposition,” he said.
“Every player knows how to deal with their emotions. As a captain, I give a free hand to any player to react the way they want on the ground unless they disrespect or do something that would bring embarrassment to our people. Until someone does that, there is no problem from me,” he added.
Saim Ayub is someone who can serve Pakistan for the next 10 years – Salman Agha
The young top-order batter Saim Ayub, who Pakistanis regard as the next big player from the country, has bagged four ducks in the Asia Cup 2025. Talking about him, Salman Agha said:
“Saim Ayub is someone who can serve Pakistan for the next 10 years. Players like him should be backed. Even now, he contributes with his bowling and fielding, and I hope he scores tomorrow.”
While talking about his own flop show in the Asia Cup 2025, Salman Agha said that he has underperformed and is looking to make improvements. He stated:
“My performance has not been the way it should have been. I am aware of this, and I am working on it.”
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