Explained! Why Didn't Salman Ali Agha Speak to Ravi Shastri At the Toss?

The India vs Pakistan drama at the Asia Cup 2025 took a fresh turn as Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha refused to speak to former Indian captain and broadcaster, Ravi Shastri, at the toss during the final. Instead, Agha spoke to Pakistani broadcaster and former legendary bowler, Waqar Younis.

While Suryakumar Yadav spoke to Ravi Shastri, the Pakistani captain spoke to Younis. It took the viewers as well as the spectators by surprise as it is something which was never seen in the cricketing field before. This adds a fresh layer of drama to the ongoing tensions between the two nations on the cricketing front.

What Happened At IND vs PAK Asia Cup Final Toss?

The reason why the Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha didn’t speak to Ravi Shastri is the ongoing turmoil between the two neighboring nations. Before the game, the Pakistan team management had asked for this request due to which Waqar Younis had to be present at the toss.

Earlier in the tournament, Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha at the toss and the team followed suit. As expected, India and Pakistan captains, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha, did not shake hands with each other during the toss of the final of the Asia Cup 2025. The recent incident has given the greatest rivalry of cricket a bit more spice.

India vs Pakistan: Road to Asia Cup Final 2025

India have been a complete juggernaut in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 and have registered 6 wins so far. The Men in Blue defeated UAE by 9 wickets in what was a complete annihilation in their first Asia Cup 2025 encounter. Suryakumar Yadav and co. then outclassed Pakistan by 7 wickets in the group-stage and followed it up a dominant 21-run victory against Oman.

Eventually, India defeated Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup and booked their place in the finals of the tournament. They have shown why they are considered the best cricket team in the world.

On the other hand, Pakistan only lost to India in the entire Asia Cup 2025. The Men in Green, who have been far from perfect in the ongoing tournament, lost to the host nation in the group-stage and the Super 4s. They would be hoping that the law of average catches up and they repeat the heroics of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final.

Hardik Pandya Misses Out

In a shocking news, star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not a part of the playing XI of India in the finals against Pakistan. Hardik Pandya had suffered a left hamstring problem in India’s last Super 4 game against Sri Lanka and hence India couldn’t slot him in the playing XI.

Rinku Singh has been named as his replacement and this means that India will be playing with an extra batter in the ongoing finals of the Asia Cup 2025. Singh has played 33 T20Is so far and has amassed 546 runs at a staggering average of 42.00.

His ability to smear the opposition bowlers all across the park, makes him a very dangerous batter and a major threat for the Pakistani bowlers. Notably, this is the first time that India and Pakistan will be crossing swords with each other in the finals in the 41-year history of the elite tournament.