The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and the Pakistan captain, Salman Ali Agha, kept themselves away from each other during the toss at the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026 as both individuals didn’t shake hands with each other, outlining the strict and politically-linked policy.

Following the ‘Operation Sindoor’ incident, the BCCI-aligned stance saw the Indian side refuse the post-match handshake as the Indian players greeted only each other and not the opponent players. This trend continued in every single encounter between the two sides.

Salman Agha reacts to ‘no-handshake’ controversy between India and Pakistan

Salman Agha, during a recent podcast, broke the silence on the controversy. He claimed that everything was normal during the trophy shoot and the captains’ press conference. There was a wind of things not being normal after the Sindoor attack, but the Pakistan captain was shocked at being informed of ‘no handshake' during the toss. 

Watch the video here: 

Salman Ali Agha relieved about India vs Pakistan handshake controversy:

Before the match, there was a press conference and a trophy shoot, and there was a handshake there too. So when I was going for the toss, I was pretty normal. I said, “Obviously, I had an idea that things… pic.twitter.com/zImpcx7pG1

— TEJASH (@Tejashyyyyy) May 2, 2026

“Before the match, there was a press conference and a trophy shoot, and there was a handshake there too. So, when I was going for the toss, I was pretty normal. I said, “Obviously, I had an idea that things wouldn’t be normal. But I couldn’t guess that things would fall this way.” The spin all-rounder expressed in that video.

“When I went for the toss, the match referee took me aside and said, “Friend, this handshake will not happen like this, so please see to it.” I said I have also no interest in shaking hands.” He revealed.

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The star batter also reckoned that in advance, he was aware of the no-handshake policy.

“They told me in advance that there was no handshake, and after that, the match ended. We lost, and we were heading to his pavilion for a handshake. They still didn’t shake hands.” Agha concluded.

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There was a point when the 32-year-old didn’t appear in the post-match TV interview. Pakistan’s displeasure over these events has extended as far as the match referee, Andy Pycroft. Hours after the game ended, the PCB issued a statement claiming that the manager had registered a formal protest against him because of the request to the captains not to shake hands.

Fans react to Agha’s statement on ‘no-handshake’ policy

Here is how the fans have reacted to the statement of the Pakistan captain on the ‘no-handshake’ controversy-

Teeno match kaise haare iske bare me nahi poocha kya??😂

— Saviour (@Unfairplay767) May 2, 2026

When match referee already told before the toss that they’re not interested to handshake with Pakistani players, why did they again went for it after the game that too after loosing ? And after this game lost other 2 games as well including final. And also lost in the World Cup !

— Harsh Tegta (@iamharshtegta) May 2, 2026

How can indian team could shake hand with team consisting faheem and abrar, everyone should support their country even indian players posted things during war but it was cheap and too low from both of them and then expect to treat them as sportsmen is funny!!

— Rishu (@crickettfreak) May 2, 2026

Indians and Pakistanis are forgetting that there politicians use them as paws to gain votes. India and Pakistan is same. Both countries need revolution to weed out the croupt ruling class with politicians. Don't fall for same propaganda again. At some point u have to learn.

— Artist (@damrit1) May 2, 2026

Why Indians will shake hands with jihadists, directly or indirectly!

Ashraf was sharing Ops Sindoor meme trolling Indian women, rest I am sure would be thumping chest with civilians being k!lled in Pahalgam by terrorists.

— Semper Fi (@SemperFiMessi) May 2, 2026

The former Indian opening batter, Aakash Chopra, has reflected on the future of the Asia Cup, as the tournament seems to have lost its relevance after the day-night difference in skills between India and the other sides. Chopra remains worried about the future of the event, which seems to have lost its charm and sharpness.

India won the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, during a modest chase, where they completed the runs in the second innings despite being 20/3. Chopra also remarked how the Pakistan board has started provoking the Bangladesh side.

See Also: Watch: “Neither here nor…”- Aakash Chopra reflects on Sanju Samson’s form ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

“Bye Asia Cup!! Yes, the Asia Cup is getting a goodbye. This is what I feel that the Asia Cup is not going to happen from now on. Mohsin Naqvi has already escaped with the trophy. India and Pakistan are there, but they don’t play each other at all. So, that issue is already there. They have also provoked Bangladesh to take the same stand against them.” Chopra expressed in a video on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Aakash Chopra drops bold statement on Asia Cup future 

The renowned commentator reckoned that BCCI should look to invite Sri Lanka and a few more teams to arrange a five-team event in the future, which will be a massive entertainer, perhaps more than the Asia Cup.

Watch the video here: 

Has the Asia Cup lost its relevance? Will there be an Asia Cup in the near future? #Aakashvani #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/8VVBFOwKEA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2026

“Pakistan talked a lot that if India doesn’t come to play in Pakistan, then they won’t come either. But they did it anyway. But with the incident in Bangladesh, the Asia Cup is getting irrelevant. The last Asia Cup 2025 was about a poor advertisement. India was at the top, and others were nowhere near. So, if there is no standard, then the BCCI may not play it!!” Chopra addressed.

“It’s not the first time that the Asia Cup won’t happen due to political reasons. It has happened even in the past. Now, whose loss will it be is the question. The Asian blokes need to think of it. I am telling you, call Sri Lanka, one of Australia, or whoever is free, and play a five-team tournament. The fun will be massive.” The former opener concluded. 

India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi was caught in an uncomfortable moment after the Under-19 Asia Cup final defeat against Pakistan in Dubai. A video that surfaced online showed a group of Pakistan supporters booing the 14-year-old as he walked past them outside the stadium. The clip quickly spread across social media and drew strong reactions.

In the video, Suryavanshi can be seen being calm and composed. He does not respond to the crowd and continues walking, letting noise fade behind him. This has impressed many people for his maturity, especially given his young age and the pressure that comes along with playing an important match like this.

It happened after a rather tragic day for the Under-19 cricket squad of India in the finals. Chasing a massive target at the ICC Academy Ground, India never really looked in control and the match slipped away early.

A Difficult Final for India U-19 Against Pakistan U-19

India’s chase of 348 started badly as captain Ayush Mhatre was dismissed early. Suryavanshi looked dangerous with a quick 26 off nine balls, but his stay ended when he edged pacer Ali Raza to the wicketkeeper. A brief exchange between the batter and bowler followed, which also went viral online.

Watch the video here

Pakistan’s fans are acting shamelessly and they have no sense of shame whatsoever.👀

These people are booing 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi just because Pakistan won a ‘cheap’ U19 Asia Cup. They’re acting like Pakistan won the World Cup.🤦🏻

This is why Pakistani people have no… pic.twitter.com/D1X6lgshr0

— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) December 22, 2025

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Earlier, Pakistan had dominated the final thanks to a brilliant knock from Sameer Minhas, who smashed 172 off 113 balls. His innings powered the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team to 347. India were then bowled out for 156 in just 26.2 overs, losing the final by a huge margin of 191 runs.

Despite the heavy defeat, much of the post-match talk shifted away from cricket to crowd behavior. The situation felt harsher because Suryavanshi had started the tournament in stunning form, scoring 171 against UAE and finishing with 261 runs at a strike rate of 182.52. For many fans, the message was clear: young players should be allowed to learn, fail, and grow without being turned into targets in a rivalry that often goes beyond the game.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will host a special reception for the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team after their victory over India in the Asia Cup final held in Dubai. The win is being seen as a rare and proud moment for Pakistan cricket, especially at the junior level.

The Under-19 team was greeted with a huge welcome upon their return to Islamabad, as they were given a reception that is usually reserved for senior sides returning to the country. This shows how significant an achievement this was for Pakistan and how much it means to both supporters and officials.

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, called this win a big achievement for Pakistan cricket. Junior cricket often does not get much attention in the country, but this victory against India brought the young players into the spotlight.

Young Heroes Praised as PCB Announces Big Rewards

Batter Sameer Minhas, who scored a match-winning 172 in the final, and fast bowler Ali Reza, who took four wickets, have been praised as future stars of Pakistan cricket. Their performances were key to the team’s success in the final.

See Also: Watch: Pakistan U-19 Asian Cricket Team gets grand welcome in Lahore after title victory against India

Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of the Asian Cricket Council and Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister, has been involved in an ongoing issue since the senior Asia Cup. During the tournament in Dubai, the Indian team reportedly refused to take the winners’ trophy from him at the presentation ceremony.

That trophy is still kept at the Asian Cricket Council offices in Dubai, with the matter yet to be settled. Reports also say that Naqvi has announced a cash prize of PKR five million for each Under-19 player, a reward that is very rare for junior cricketers in Pakistan and highlights the importance of this historic win.

Pakistan won the Asia Cup U-19 trophy, defeating archrival India in the final match on Sunday. After the emphatic win, the youth team of Pakistan commemorate in celebration. After the match, they showed their dancing skills on the ground. A video of the Pakistan cricket team dancing is viral on social media platforms.

According to the video, Team Pakistan is dancing with the massively famous soundtrack from the Bollywood movie 'Dhurandhar'. Previously, during the Asia Cup U-19 tournament, when Bangladesh got a dominating win over their archrival Sri Lanka, the youth team of Bangladesh celebrated the occasion with the same soundtrack. At the end of the year, the soundtrack is being used everywhere to mark a special occasion.

Pakistan defeated India by 191 runs in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 at the ICC Academy Ground. The Pakistan cricket team registered a huge total of 347 runs against India, batting first. India, when it went to chase the target, showed intent to play an aggressive brand of cricket, but that did not work. India could score only 156 runs against all of their ten wickets. A dominating victory for the Pakistan youth team.

Pakistan cricket team's celebration after winning Asia Cup U-19 trophy over India

Why is Pakistan’s team dancing to an Indian movie song ‘Dhurandhar’ after winning the U19 Asia Cup?👀

So they even celebrate their victories to Indian songs?

Don’t they have their own songs? pic.twitter.com/PhSR48c74Y

— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) December 21, 2025

Sameer Minhas played a superb innings of 172 runs for the Pakistan cricket team. In reply, India managed only 26.2 overs and lost the match by 191 runs. Deepesh Devendran top-scored with 36 runs off 16 balls. Ali Raza took four wickets for Pakistan.

Samir Minhas' 172-run knock proved instrumental for Pakistan in the first innings, and India failed to even reach that total. Deepesh Devendran, an emerging Indian all-rounder, took three wickets in the match, finishing as the tournament's top wicket-taker with 14 wickets.

The Pakistan U-19 side showed some clinical performances with the bat against India in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup 2025 at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai to lift the title. On their arrival back to Islamabad, all the players received a grand welcome from the fans at the airport, along with getting bouquets and flowers.

Pakistan were exceptional with the bat in the first innings during the game as they posted a massive score of 347 in their allotted 50 overs. They are opening batter, Sameer Minhas, blasted a splendid knock of 172 runs in 113 balls at a strike rate of over 150 with the help of 17 boundaries and nine sixes.

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They are number three batter Ahmed Hussain also contributed with 56 runs before their middle struggled to give them the late finish in the innings. However, the score was already a massive one for the Indian team to chase amidst the pressure of the final.

Pakistan players receive grand welcome after winning U-19 Asia Cup 2025

The Indian side kept on losing wickets one after another in the cheese, and were bundled out for 156 runs in 26.2 overs to lose the contest by 191 runs. Ali Raza was excellent with the newborn as he picked up four wickets alone, with three other bowlers sharing the rest of the six wickets among themselves.

Watch the video here: 

🚨 WARM RECEPTION FOR PAKISTAN U19 TEAM AT ISLAMABAD AIRPORT. 🔥

pic.twitter.com/yIuXLSQzuY

— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) December 22, 2025

“We were happy we lost the toss, our plan was the same, to bat first. Sameer Minhas played very well in the last two matches. Not disappointed, it was a very good total, 348. The boys collectively performed, very happy. We lost the first match against India, but the management and support staff kept team morale high; they backed us.” Pakistan captain, Farhan Yousuf, shed light on the presentation.

“It was a good innings by me, I only had in mind to score runs for the team. There was no such pressure for me; I only wanted to play my natural game and did so. We wanted to bat first because it was like a batting track. Very memorable for me.” The player of the match and the tournament, Sameer Minhas, addressed the crowd.

A special innings in the final of the Asia Cup U-19 from a special player of Pakistan. Against India, the emerging Pakistani batter registered 172 (113) with 17 boundaries and 9 sixes. A video of his batting highlights in the match is attached with this article below. 

The Asia Cup Under-19 has discovered multiple raw talents across the nations. As India and Pakistan are the two cricketing giants in Asia, naturally expectations were higher for these two teams. Because of the Indian Premier League, the cricket fraternity came to know about multiple under-19 Indian talents, but the way the youth team of Pakistan performed in the Asia Cup U-19 was stunning. Especially Sameer Minhas. When the right-handed batter was in the middle, commentators compared his quick hands with former Pakistan batter Saeed Anwar. 

Sameer started his batting against India in the summit clash in a watchful manner. After a few dot balls, he made his intentions clear: scoring as many runs as possible. India had an early chance to dismiss the batter, but the fielder near the rope was unable to adjust himself to grab the ball. After that, it was a non-stop show from Sameer. He used his wrists, he used his techniques, he found gaps, and he took the aerial routes as well to accumulate runs. 

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Watch every ball Sameer Minhas faced in Asia Cup U-19 Final vs India

Sameer Minhas 172(113) vs India | U-19 Asia Cup 2025 | Ball By Ball Highlights #PAKvIND | #PakistanFutureStars | #U19AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/oJhvhZlOOR

— PCT Replays 2.0 (@ReplaysPCT) December 21, 2025

With the sublime 172-run knock from Sameer Minhas, Pakistan was on top of a mountain of runs, registering 347/8 in 50 overs.

Who is Sameer Minhas? 

Sameer Minhas has drawn attention partly because he comes from a family deeply engaged with cricket. He is widely recognized as the younger brother of Arafat Minhas, who represented Pakistan Under-19 in the 2024 World Cup and has built a growing reputation in youth cricket. This connection suggests that Sameer has been exposed to a strong cricketing environment from an early age, likely benefiting from both guidance and inspiration within his household. His background reflects the influence of a family passionate about nurturing talent and encouraging involvement in the sport.

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), could reportedly meet the players during the final of the Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, where the latter was in a great spot for their superb batting performance.

The reports claimed that Naqvi is scheduled to travel to Dubai to witness the U-19 Asia Cup final live at the venue and even felicitate the winners of the competition, just like he did in the Rising Stars Asia Cup final and was expected to do the same in the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 final had India not won and taken a strong stance.

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The reports also informed that Naqvi would be a prominent figure at the stadium for the climax. In addition to watching the clash, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief will attend the closing ceremony. As has been the case this year, Naqvi is expected to lead the presentation, and that’s where the controversy could unfold.

Mohsin Naqvi's drama could continue in Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025 final

In September this year, Naqvi attended the senior men’s final in Dubai, where the Suryakumar Yadav-led side beat Pakistan in the final, and the event was marked by a significant geopolitical tension as the Blue Brigade, having not shaken hands with the opposition at the toss and later even in the post-match ceremony, refused to take the medal from Naqvi.

In November 2025, Naqvi was in Doha for the Rising Stars Asia Cup final for the Emerging teams. On that occasion, it was a smooth journey for the individual, with him celebrating on the field as Pakistan Shaheens won the thrilling Super Over victory against Bangladesh A.

The U-19 final has seen Pakistan in a strong position with over 250 runs for the loss of just two wickets in 37 overs. Opening batter, Sameer Minhas, smashed an unbeaten 139 runs in just 94 balls at a strike rate of around 150 with the help of 14 boundaries and seven sixes.

The stage is set for another high-voltage clash as India U19, led by Ayush Mhatre, take on Pakistan U19 in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025. The blockbuster summit clash will be played on Sunday, December 21, at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. Both teams come into the final with confidence after convincing semi-final wins and will be eager to lift the continental crown.

Road to the Final

India U19

India booked their place in the final after defeating Sri Lanka in a rain-reduced semi-final. The Indian bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Sri Lanka to 138 in a 20-over contest.

Despite losing openers Ayush Mhatre (7) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (9) early, India recovered strongly thanks to a match-winning partnership between Aaron George and Vihaan Malhotra.

• Aaron George: 58 (49 balls)*
• Vihaan Malhotra: 61 (45 balls)*
• Partnership: 114 runs for the third wicket

Pakistan U19

Pakistan cruised into the final after beating Bangladesh in the second semi-final. After bowling Bangladesh out for 121, Pakistan chased down the target comfortably in 16.3 overs in a match reduced to 27 overs per side.

League Stage Head-to-Head

India and Pakistan faced each other once earlier in the tournament, with India registering a dominant 90-run victory.

• India: 240 all out
  • Aaron George: 85
  • Kanishk Chouhan: 46
• Pakistan: 150 all out
  • Kanishk Chouhan: 3 wickets
  • Deepesh Devendran: 3 wickets

That result gives India a psychological edge heading into the final.

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IND vs PAK U19 Asia Cup Final: Match Details

IND vs PAK U19 Asia Cup Final: Live Telecast & Streaming

IND vs PAK U19 Asia Cup Final: Full Squads

India: Aaron George, Yuvraj Gohil, Abhigyan Kundu, Harvansh Pangalia, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Ayush Mhatre, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel, Udhav Mohan, Naman Pushpak, Kishan Singh 

Pakistan: Farhan Yousaf, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Shayan, Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar, Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas

With history, pride, and a continental title on the line, the India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup Final promises a thrilling contest. India will look to repeat their league-stage dominance, while Pakistan will aim for redemption on the biggest stage. All eyes will be on Dubai as the next generation of cricketing stars take center stage in this classic rivalry.