Salman Ali Agha begs for handshake with Indian players, fires Usman Tariq threat at Suryakumar Yadav

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made a bold appeal ahead of the blockbuster T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India on Sunday, February 15, in Colombo. Salman Ali Agha made it clear that he wants the India vs Pakistan match to be played in good spirit and without unnecessary tension.

Salman Ali Agha calls for respect over handshake row

When Salman Ali Agha was asked about whether the Pakistan cricket team would shake hands with India if they were open to it in the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo.

Actually, since Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, no Indian team has followed the customary handshake or had any discussion with Pakistani players.

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Well, the Pakistan captain made it clear that the situation would become clear on match day. Salman Ali Agha said at the pre-match press conference on February 14: “We will find out tomorrow.”

Game to be played in good spirits: Pakistan captain

However, Salman hopes for normal handshakes and respect between players from both sides despite the heated rivalry. He also stressed that matches are not decided by toss luck but by performance.

The skipper further noted, “We want the game to be played in good spirits. The game should be played like it has been played since it started. Toss cannot decide the game. If you play good cricket, you'll win. Cricket will matter; the toss won't.”

Salman dismisses scrutiny around Usman Tariq ahead of India vs Pakistan game

Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha also fired a warning over the mystery spinner Usman Tariq. He brushed aside all the noise around Tariq’s bowling action and said the ICC has already cleared him. He claimed that too much hype is being created from the Indian side.

Salman added, “I don’t know why there is so much chatter around Usman Tariq. He has been cleared by ICC. India has hyped him, but he is not affected by all that.”

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Notably, it is already raining in Colombo, and it has made everyone worried before the big clash. Dark clouds are covering the sky, making it almost sure the game will be interrupted by the rain.

Why is Tariq's bowling always under scanner?

Speaking about Usman Tariq, the Pakistani spinner has become one of the biggest talking points of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, and the reason is his unusual bowling style. Tariq pauses in the middle of his action and then suddenly releases the ball.

This “pause-and-deliver” style looks different from normal bowling. Many cricketers, both former and current, as well as several fans on social media, have raised doubts about the Pakistani spinner’s bowling. They are questioning whether his arm bends more than the allowed limit while delivering the ball, as the bowlers cannot extend their arm more than 15 degrees.

If it crosses that limit, it is called illegal bowling or chucking. However, both the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have already tested Tariq’s action several times. He went through biomechanical testing, and they have cleared him and confirmed that his action is within the rules. Even after getting official approval, the debate has not stopped.