Was the absence of a handshake with the India captain in U19 WC unintentional?
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Synopsis
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has stated that the absence of a handshake at the toss before the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup against India was purely unintentional. This incident raises questions about sportsmanship and the spirit of cricket amidst ongoing tensions between the two cricketing nations.
Key Takeaways
- The absence of a handshake at the toss was unintentional.
- BCB emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship.
- Regular captain Azizul Hakim was absent due to illness.
- Vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team at the toss.
- Similar situations were noted in previous tournaments.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) clarified on Saturday that the lack of a traditional handshake at the toss prior to their 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup match against India at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo was entirely unintentional and stemmed from ‘a brief lapse in attention.’
With the regular captain Azizul Hakim absent due to illness, vice-captain Zawad Abrar stepped in at the toss, where he missed shaking hands with India captain Ayush Mhatre. This moment garnered attention before the match commenced, which was delayed by rain, with Bangladesh opting to field first after winning the toss.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) acknowledges an inadvertent action that occurred at the toss preceding the initial match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, between Bangladesh and India. Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim could not attend, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team at the toss.
“The BCB wishes to emphasize that the lack of a handshake with the opposing captain was entirely unintentional and resulted from a brief lapse in concentration. There was absolutely no intent to show disrespect or disregard for the opposition.
“The Board has treated this matter with the utmost seriousness, as maintaining the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is crucial for representing Bangladesh at any level. The team management has been promptly advised,” stated the BCB.
“Players have also been reminded of their duty to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and mutual respect in all interactions with rival teams. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field,” the statement continued.
Similar situations arose during last year’s senior Men’s T20 Asia Cup when the captains of India and Pakistan also failed to shake hands at the toss in all three encounters. This incident coincides with ongoing tensions in cricketing relations between Bangladesh and India.
The BCB is keen to avoid playing its Men’s T20 World Cup matches in India, particularly after the BCCI requested the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad for the 2026 season.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that while the absence of a handshake may seem trivial, it reflects deeper issues in sportsmanship and diplomatic relations in cricket. The BCB's swift response underscores the importance of maintaining respect and camaraderie in the game.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the absence of a handshake?
The absence of a handshake was due to a momentary lapse in concentration during the toss, as the regular captain was unwell.
Who represented Bangladesh at the toss?
Vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented Bangladesh at the toss in the absence of regular captain Azizul Hakim.
