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India-Bangladesh U19 Captains Skip Handshake, Echoing Broader Tensions

The captains of India and Bangladesh's Under-19 teams declined to shake hands at the toss of their World Cup match, continuing a 'no handshake' policy first adopted by the senior men's team. This protocol originated during the 2025 Asia Cup against Pakistan and was later upheld by the women's team. Broader political tensions, including violence in Bangladesh and the contentious release of bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, have strained relations. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has subsequently requested to move its T20 World Cup matches to Sri Lanka over security concerns.

Key Points: India-Bangladesh U19 Captains Skip Handshake at World Cup Toss

  • U19 WC toss handshake declined
  • Policy stems from 2025 Asia Cup
  • Women's team also upheld protocol
  • Tensions over player release & security
  • BCB requested WC venue change
2 min read

U19 WC: India, Bangladesh captains skip handshake at toss

India and Bangladesh U19 captains skip pre-match handshake, continuing a diplomatic protocol amid rising political and cricket tensions between the nations.

"signalling of the ongoing tension between the neighbouring countries - Report"

Bulawayo, Dec 17

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.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have also been deteriorating on multiple fronts in recent times due to violence following the death of a Bangladeshi student leader and the lynching of a Hindu man. This led to turbulence within the BCCI and the BCB when the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh's premier bowler, Mustafizur Rehman, from its squad, following a directive from the Indian governing board.

After the pacer's release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board initially refused to issue a no-objection certificate for Mustafizur to play in the IPL. As a result of the BCCI's decision, the BCB wrote to the ICC requesting that their T20 World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns amid growing tensions between the two neighbouring nations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I understand the sentiment behind the policy, but refusing a handshake with Bangladesh? That seems like an overextension. We have historical and cultural ties with them. This just escalates tensions unnecessarily.
R
Rohit P
Full support for our team! If the senior men's and women's teams are following this protocol, then the juniors should too. It's about sending a unified message. National sentiment comes before a handshake. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
Watching from the UK, this is very sad. Cricket is meant to build bridges. These young players are being used as political pawns. The BCCI and BCB need to sort their issues off the field and let the game be a game.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions the Mustafizur issue. The BCCI's directive to KKR was clear. You can't have players from boards that are creating diplomatic trouble. It's a tough stance, but sometimes it's necessary. Bangladesh's reaction to move matches is an overreaction.
A
Ananya R
As an Indian cricket fan, my heart is divided. I want us to win, but not like this. A simple handshake is basic decency. What are we teaching the next generation? That it's okay to be disrespectful if there's political tension? We are better than this.
K
Karthik V

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