‘Won’t stop anyone’: Pakistan skipper on players on-field gestures ahead Of Asia Cup 2025 final against India

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha opened up on players on-field behaviour ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Final and said he wont stop them. During the Asia Cup Super 4 clash against India, Pakistan's Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were spotted making provocative gestures on the field.

New Delhi: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stated that he won’t restrict his players from showing their emotions in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India in Dubai on Sunday. He made this comment in the backdrop of last week’s Super 4 clash against India, when Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan drew criticism for making provocative. The actions were against the spirit of the game and it added to the tension between the two sides.

On the eve of the final, Agha opened up his players on-field gestures and stated that he won’t stop his them from expressing themselves, provided they don’t overstep the boundaries.

Salman Agha said every individual has the right to express emotions

“Every individual has the right to express emotions. If we stop fast bowlers from showing emotions what’s left then? I won’t stop anyone as long as it is not disrespectful,” Agha said in the pre-match press conference.

According to tournament sources, Rauf and Farhan pleaded not guilty during their ICC hearing over allegations of provocative conduct in the clash against India.

Although both players had previously provided written answers, match referee Richie Richardson conducted the hearing in person at the Pakistan team hotel. Naveed Akram Cheema, the team manager, joined them.

BCCI lodged a formal complaint against Rauf and Farhan

The BCCI lodged a formal complaint on Wednesday as the duo were accused making provocative gestures. The arch-rivals are now set to face each other in Sunday’s regional final.

Agha also admitted that in their group stage and Super Four losses to India, his team was guilty of making more errors.

“India versus Pakistan matches come with baggage of pressure. In the last two games we lost because we made more mistakes,” he added.

Sunday’s clash in Dubai will mark the first-ever Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan.

Story Highlight

1. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stated that he won’t restrict his players from showing their emotions in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India in Dubai on Sunday
2. Salman made this comment in the backdrop of last week’s Super 4 clash against India, when Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan drew criticism for making provocative.
3. According to tournament sources, Rauf and Farhan pleaded not guilty during their ICC hearing over allegations of provocative conduct in the clash against India.
4. The BCCI lodged a formal complaint on Wednesday as the duo were accused making provocative gestures.