T20 World Cup 2026 | 'It's up to them to decide...': Salman Ali Agha on handshake with Team India

Salman Ali Agha. Pic/PTI

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha kept the suspense about shaking hands with Indian players at the toss or after the T20 World Cup match here on Sunday, but said the game should be played in the spirit that it is meant to be.

India and Pakistan players have stopped shaking hands with each other since last year's Asia Cup in Dubai, which was held in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre and the subsequent Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Armed Forces.

"We will see about it tomorrow," Agha gave a cryptic response about the possibility of a handshake in the pre-match press conference here on Saturday.

However, Agha was clear in his view that the 'Spirit of the Game' should be upheld under any circumstances.

"Cricket should be played in (right) spirit. My personal opinion may not matter. But cricket should be played according to how it has always been meant to be played. It's up to them to decide what to do," Agha added.

However, it has learned that general mood in the Indian camp ahead of Sunday's game at the Premadasa too has been more thoughtful than bullish, leaving the decision-making to the higher officials and go by their call. However when it comes to Indian team, there is general wariness about public sentiment on social media which could be extreme as the emotions in the aftermath of Pahalgam attack is still raw.

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