Asia Cup | 'Don't want to be friends, you don't deserve it': Ex-India spinner slams Pakistan captain

Former India spinner Amit Mishra did not hold back while responding to Pakistan T20I captain Salman Agha’s claims that India had “disrespected” cricket during the Asia Cup 2025.

India secured a dominant five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final in Dubai, claiming their ninth Asia Cup title.

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The post-match was centered on India’s refusal to follow the customary handshake tradition. During the tournament, the Indian team had opted not to shake hands with Pakistan players after group-stage matches and the Super Fours. The trend continued in the final, resulting in criticism from Salman Agha.

“What India has 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,” Salman said at a press conference after the final.

Mishra dismissed the allegation, pointing out that no rule in cricket requires teams to shake hands. “Is there any rule that we have to shake hands? We play cricket, we don't want to be friends with you, we don't want to shake hands, it's our wish. Is there any rule in the rule book that we have to shake hands? We have played three matches, and we have defeated you in all three. After that, what do you want? Do you want us to be friends with you? Why should we? It's our wish. We won't do it,” Mishra told ANI.

He also praised the Indian team for upholding the spirit of the game despite the tension.

“I salute the entire Indian team. The Indian team stood by their words. If we wanted, we wouldn't even play the game. If you had fined us, we would have paid it, but we respected you, and played cricket with you. You don't deserve it, it's clear, you don't deserve it,” Mishra added.

Following Rinku Singh’s match-winning four, the post-match ceremony was delayed for over an hour. Indian players collected their individual awards, while Salman Agha accepted the runners-up cheque from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

“We don't need a trophy or anything. We are standing with the people of our country. People said that India shouldn't have played the match. But there are rules, you have to follow them. As a cricketer, as a sportsman, we did that. We kept cricket at the top. But what we did after that, I don't think any big team has ever done that. But, we did that,” Mishra said, stressing the team’s focus on cricket above everything else.

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