Queens Sports Club: India's captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh's vice-captain Zawad Abrar declined the usual handshake at the toss of a Group A match in the ICC Under-19 World Cup at Queens Sports Club on Saturday, signalling of the ongoing tension between the neighbouring countries.
During the toss, delayed by more than 15 minutes due to drizzle, neither India's captain Mhatre nor Bangladesh's vice-captain Abrar, who walked out for the toss, initiated the traditional exchange of pleasantries. After Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first against India, both captains just conducted their interviews and then went to their dressing rooms.
This stems from the no-handshake protocol adopted by the Indian men's team during the Men's Asia Cup in September 2025. In all three matches of the tournament, the Indian team did not shake hands with the Pakistan players. Additionally, they refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister.
Later, in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur upheld the 'no handshake' policy. Moreover, during last month's U19 Asia Cup, India maintained a 'no handshake' policy during their group-stage fixture against arch-rivals Pakistan.
This stems from the no-handshake protocol adopted by the Indian men's team during the Men's Asia Cup in September 2025. In all three matches of the tournament, the Indian team did not shake hands with the Pakistan players. Additionally, they refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister.
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