Why Did India and Bangladesh Captains Avoid Handshake at Toss?
Synopsis
The recent ICC Under-19 World Cup toss saw India and Bangladesh's captains skip the traditional handshake, highlighting the escalating tensions between the two nations. This incident is part of a broader pattern in cricketing relations, echoing similar actions in past tournaments amid rising diplomatic strains.
Key Takeaways
India and Bangladesh captains skipped the handshake at the Under-19 World Cup toss.
This reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Similar no-handshake policies were observed during past cricket events.
The situation highlights the intersection of sports and international relations .
Recent violent incidents have exacerbated the strain on relations.
Bulawayo, Dec 17 (NationPress) Ayush Mhatre, the captain of India, and Zawad Abrar, the vice-captain of Bangladesh, chose not to engage in the customary handshake during the toss of a Group A match at the ICC Under-19 World Cup held at Queens Sports Club on Saturday. This act reflects the prevailing tensions between the two neighboring nations.
The toss, which was postponed for over 15 minutes due to light rain, saw neither Mhatre nor Abrar initiating the traditional gesture of goodwill. After Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bowl first against India, both captains proceeded with their interviews and returned to their respective dressing rooms.
This decision is reminiscent of the 'no handshake' policy adopted by the Indian men's team during the Men's Asia Cup in September 2025, where they refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani players in all three matches of the tournament. Furthermore, they declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds the position of Pakistan's Interior Minister.
Similarly, in the recent ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur upheld the 'no handshake' principle. This policy was also evident during last month's U19 Asia Cup when India did not engage in handshakes during their group-stage match against their arch-rivals, Pakistan.
Moreover, diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained due to recent violent incidents, including the death of a Bangladeshi student leader and the lynching of a Hindu individual. This escalation in tensions resulted in disturbances within the BCCI and BCB when the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh's star bowler, Mustafizur Rehman, from its squad at the behest of the Indian governing body.
Following the pacer's release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board initially withheld a no-objection certificate for Mustafizur to participate in the IPL. Consequently, the BCB approached the ICC, requesting that their T20 World Cup matches be relocated to Sri Lanka due to rising security concerns amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this incident with an unbiased perspective. The handshake is a symbol of sportsmanship, and skipping it raises questions about the broader relationship between India and Bangladesh. While the tensions are palpable, it is essential to focus on the spirit of the game and the significance of diplomacy in sports.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Indian and Bangladesh captains skip the handshake?
The decision to skip the handshake reflects the ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh, a theme that has persisted in their cricketing interactions recently.
What event prompted the no-handshake policy?
The no-handshake protocol was notably adopted by the Indian men's team during the Men's Asia Cup in September 2025, leading to similar actions in subsequent tournaments.
How have diplomatic relations affected cricket?
Recent violent incidents and political tensions have strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, impacting their interactions in cricket.
