Dubai, Sep 16: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has come out in support of skipper Salman Ali Agha’s silent protest, after the captain skipped the post-match presentation in Dubai.
“He did the right thing. If he didn’t attend, good — that was his way of making a point,” Akhtar said, backing the move as a dignified response to the controversy that followed India’s refusal to shake hands after the Asia Cup clash.
The high-voltage India–Pakistan encounter on Sunday saw India cruise to a seven-wicket win, chasing down Pakistan’s 127 in less than 16 overs.After the match, Indian players walked directly to their dressing room instead of greeting their Pakistani counterparts on the field. Reports suggest Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson waited near India’s room to complete the sporting ritual, only to find the doors closed. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has since lodged a formal protest with the Asian Cricket Council, calling the conduct “against the spirit of sports.”Reacting on television, Akhtar admitted he was “speechless” at India’s decision, describing it as “disheartening.” While praising India’s performance, he urged both nations to keep politics away from cricket. “It’s just a game — keep it that way. Arguments and conflicts happen, but in sport, you shake hands and move on,” he said.The controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor targeted militant camps in Pakistan and PoK. (Agencies)
