Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has called for the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash to be played in the “right spirit,” saying his side is open to the customary handshake ahead of the blockbuster ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Agha stressed that while Pakistan will respect cricketing traditions, the final call rests with India.

“Cricket should be played in spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played the way it has always been played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” Salman Ali Agha said, striking a measured tone on a sensitive topic that has lingered over recent bilateral encounters.

His remarks come against the backdrop of the handshake controversy that erupted earlier this year during the Asia Cup 2025. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April, India chose not to engage in the customary pre-match handshake during their group-stage fixture against Pakistan.

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At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands, and the Indian players walked straight back to the dugout after completing the match formalities, a move that sparked strong reactions across the cricketing fraternity. The situation escalated further when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) raised objections over the role of match referee Andy Pycroft.

According to the PCB, Pycroft intervened at the toss and informed Agha in advance that the Indian captain would not be shaking hands. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi later confirmed that a formal letter was sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking Pycroft’s removal from the remainder of the Asia Cup officiating panel.

Tensions briefly threatened to escalate into a boycott, with Pakistan reportedly delaying its next fixture before eventually taking the field. The standoff was later defused after internal discussions between PCB officials and Pycroft, but the episode left scars. The controversy resurfaced at the post-match presentation, when India reportedly refused to step onto the dais because of Naqvi’s presence, prompting officials to remove the trophy from the stage.

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As the two rivals prepare to meet again on the global stage, Agha’s comments signal Pakistan’s willingness to de-escalate off-field tensions. Whether tradition prevails on match day now depends on how India chooses to respond, with the cricketing world watching closely.