NewKerala.com

India-Pakistan U-19 Captains Skip Handshake, Continuing Tense Trend

The captains of the India and Pakistan Under-19 teams skipped the customary handshake at the toss ahead of their crucial Super 6 match in the 2026 World Cup. This continues a trend that began at the senior level during the 2025 Asia Cup amid ongoing political tensions. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first in this must-win match for both teams to secure the remaining semi-final spot from Group 2. India, currently unbeaten, leads the group and needs a win to advance, while Pakistan requires a large-margin victory to overcome India's superior net run rate.

Key Points: India-Pakistan U-19 Skipped Handshake at Toss | World Cup 2026

  • Skipped toss handshake continues trend
  • Pakistan won toss, chose to bowl
  • Crucial Super 6 match for semi-final spot
  • India leads group with superior net run rate
2 min read

Under-19 World Cup 2026: No handshake between India and Pakistan captains at toss

India & Pakistan U-19 captains skipped the toss handshake, continuing a trend amid political tensions. Pakistan won toss, bowl first in crucial Super 6 match.

"no handshake during the toss for the India-Pakistan cricket matches has become a regular sight - Report"

Bulawayo, February 1

India and Pakistan captains skipped the customary handshake at the toss during the Super 6 Group 2 match of the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

India U-19 team captain Ayush Mhatre and Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf completed the toss formalities without the traditional handshake.

Notably, no handshake during the toss for the India-Pakistan cricket matches has become a regular sight ever since India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with his Pakistan counterpart during the 2025 Asia Cup, amid escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan. The trend persisted as the India A team refused to shake hands with Pakistan Shaheens in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 match, and now the same happened during the Under-19 World Cup clash between both teams.

In the U-19 match, Pakistan Under-19 won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in a crucial Super 6 Group 2 match. With the clash serving as the last group-stage fixture, both India and Pakistan are vying for a spot in the semi-final, and the match is a must-win for both Asian teams.

Australia and Afghanistan have qualified for the semifinal from Super Six Group 1, while England has qualified from Super Six Group 2.

With England already through from Group 2, only one spot remains up for grabs. India sit second in the group with three wins from as many matches and a net run rate of +3.337, while Pakistan are third with two wins from three games and a net run rate of +1.484. A victory over India would level Pakistan on points with India at six, but they would need a big-margin win to surpass India's superior net run rate. For the Ayush Mhatre-led India, a win will suffice. Notably, India are unbeaten in the tournament.

India vs Pakistan Under-19 match playing 11s:

India U-19 playing 11: Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre(c), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Vedant Trivedi, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran.

Pakistan U-19 playing 11: Hamza Zahoor(w), Sameer Minhas, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf(c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Ali Hassan Baloch, Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I support our captain's decision. Why should we pretend everything is normal? Sports and politics cannot be separated when there are constant provocations from across the border. Our boys showed focus on the game, which they won! Jai Hind! 💪
V
Vikram M
The focus should be on the fantastic win and our semi-final qualification! Ayush Mhatre led from the front. These are professional cricketers following a protocol set by senior teams. Let's not make a big issue out of a non-issue.
R
Rohit P
With all due respect, I think this is a mistake. We are teaching the next generation that it's okay to be disrespectful on the field. You can be fiercely competitive and still shake hands. This sets a bad precedent. Sportsmanship should come first.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the UK, this is disappointing. The spirit of cricket seems to be fading in this rivalry. The Under-19 World Cup is about the future of the game. Hope the players can rise above the tensions one day.
K
Kavya N
Honestly, who cares about a handshake? The real story is our team's unbeaten run and that brilliant spell by Khilan Patel! Our boys are making the nation proud. On to the semis! 🏏🔥

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50