Spirit Over Symbolism as Salman Ali Agha Plays Down Handshake Debate Ahead of India–Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash

Colombo, Feb 2026 : On the eve of the much-anticipated India–Pakistan showdown in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha struck a measured tone, stressing the importance of playing the game in the right spirit while remaining deliberately non-committal on the issue of a customary handshake between the two arch-rivals.

Speaking to reporters in Colombo on Saturday, Agha’s remarks come against the backdrop of strained on-field optics witnessed during the Men’s Asia Cup in September 2025, when the Indian team chose not to shake hands with Pakistan players in all three encounters. The situation drew further attention when the Indian side declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.

“Cricket should be played in spirit. And what I expect obviously does not matter,” Agha said. “But I feel that the game should be played the same way as it has been since the beginning of cricket. The rest is up to them and whatever they want to do.” When pressed directly on whether fans should expect handshakes after Sunday’s match, the Pakistan skipper offered a brief reply: “You will find out about that tomorrow.”

While off-field narratives continue to swirl, a fresh concern has emerged in the form of weather. Forecasts indicate a strong possibility of rain in Colombo on match day, raising fears of interruptions in what is expected to be a high-voltage contest. However, Agha was quick to downplay the impact of external factors, insisting that skill and execution will outweigh fortune.

“Toss cannot decide the game,” he asserted. “If you play good cricket, you’ll win. Cricket will matter, the toss won’t.”

Agha also spoke about India’s team composition and expressed hope that the opponents field their strongest possible XI. In particular, he wished young opener Abhishek Sharma a speedy recovery after the batter missed India’s Group A match against Namibia due to illness.

“I hope Abhishek Sharma plays tomorrow. I hope he is recovering well. We want to play against the best,” Agha said, underlining Pakistan’s desire for a full-strength contest. In Sharma’s absence, Sanju Samson opened the innings against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and made a quickfire 22 off eight balls, a role he could reprise if required.

Turning attention to Pakistan’s own squad, Agha addressed the ongoing discussion around mystery spinner Usman Tariq, whose unusual bowling action has been under scrutiny. Tariq’s delivery stride — marked by a noticeable pause and delayed release — has raised questions in some quarters, despite the bowler being cleared twice by the International Cricket Council.

“For us, every player is equal. You guys have made Usman Tariq this big topic,” Agha said firmly. “He has been bowling well. He is our trump card. Usman has been cleared twice by the ICC. I don’t know why there is so much talk about his action. He doesn’t care about all this.”

The Pakistan captain also dismissed concerns surrounding the form of star batter Babar Azam, insisting the former skipper remains a key pillar of the batting line-up. Babar arrived at the World Cup on the back of an unbeaten half-century against Australia in the final T20I before the tournament. While he managed only a laboured 15 off 18 balls in Pakistan’s opening win over the Netherlands, he showed signs of rhythm with a fluent 46 off 32 balls against the USA.

“Babar Azam is not a concern for us,” Agha said. “He has been scoring runs. Hopefully he’ll score runs and help us tomorrow. We don’t want to change the batting position too much.”

Sunday’s clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium carries significant historical weight. India and Pakistan have been grouped together in the opening stages of the last five editions of the T20 World Cup and the previous two ODI World Cups. In T20 World Cups alone, the rivals have faced each other eight times, with India winning seven matches and Pakistan tasting victory just once — in 2021.

Agha acknowledged the lopsided record but stressed that past results will not dictate the present. “We cannot change history. We do not have a good record against India in World Cups, but we will try for a better performance,” he said.

As anticipation builds and millions of eyes turn toward Colombo, Agha’s words suggest Pakistan are focused on performance rather than politics, intent on letting cricket — not symbolism — take centre stage in one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.