Salman Ali Agha threw Haris Rauf under the bus, blaming the pacer for Pakistan's 2025 Asia Cup final defeat to India. The Pakistan skipper pointed out that if he had continued with Abrar Ahmed, then the result could have been different.
Salman Ali Agha regretted giving Haris Rauf the ball in the Asia Cup final vs India. (X images)
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Rauf's spell began in the eighth over, where he conceded seven runs, also being pulled for a four by Sanju Samson. In the 15th over, he leaked 17 runs as Dube smashed him for a four. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma hit him for a four and a six.
In the 18th over, Dube clobbered him for a six as he went on to leak 13 runs in India's run chase. In the final over, India needed 10 runs, and Rauf was given the ball. It began with a double for Tilak Varma, followed by a six, pulled in front of the square. Then Tilak took a single, levelling the scores. In the fourth ball, Rinku Singh wrapped up proceedings, guiding him past mid-on for a four as India clinched their record-extending ninth Asia Cup title.
Salman Ali Agha regrets Asia Cup final mistake
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Speaking on the ARY podcast, Agha said, "There are a lot of things. One year has passed since I began to captain, and that too in two tournaments. So many mistakes must have happened. If our results weren't good, then mistakes would have happened. In the Asia Cup final, I decided that if I had continued with Abrar, I never know what would have happened to the result. That is one thing I would like to change."
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Speaking on the ARY podcast, Agha said, "There are a lot of things. One year has passed since I began to captain, and that too in two tournaments. So many mistakes must have happened. If our results weren't good, then mistakes would have happened. In the Asia Cup final, I decided that if I had continued with Abrar, I never know what would have happened to the result. That is one thing I would like to change."
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"If you see the other side, I gave Haris the ball; he was our main bowler in that match. He couldn't bowl well, couldn't execute his plans properly. I feel that if I continue with Abrar, you never know what would have happened to the game", he added.
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During the run chase, Abrar got Sanju Samson's (24) key wicket, finishing with figures of 1/29 (4) at an economy rate of 7.20. Meanwhile, Rauf was the most expensive Pakistan bowler, finishing with figures of 0/50 (3.4).
During the interview, Agha also opened up about the Asia Cup handshake controversy. In the tournament, India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined the customary pre-match handshake with his Pakistani counterpart as a mark of solidarity with families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people lost their lives.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/Salman Ali Agha questions costly decision vs India after Haris Rauf’s expensive spell in Asia Cup final
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