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U19 World Cup Handshake Snub: BCB Calls It "Momentary Lapse"

The Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a clarification stating the lack of a customary handshake at the toss before the India U19 vs Bangladesh U19 World Cup match was an unintentional oversight. The BCB emphasized its serious view of the incident, reminding players of their duty to uphold sportsmanship and respect. In the match, India secured an 18-run victory via the DLS method after rain interrupted Bangladesh's chase. Key batting performances from Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhigyan Kundu helped India post a competitive total.

Key Points: BCB Clarifies No Handshake at India-Bangladesh U19 Toss

  • BCB clarifies no deliberate disrespect
  • Regular captain absent due to illness
  • Board stresses spirit of cricket
  • India wins rain-affected thriller
3 min read

"Unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration": BCB on no customary handshake at toss in India vs Bangladesh U19 World Cup fixture

Bangladesh Cricket Board says missed handshake was unintentional, reaffirms commitment to sportsmanship after India's 18-run win in U19 World Cup.

"The absence of a handshake... was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. - Bangladesh Cricket Board"

Bulawayo, January 18

The India U19 vs Bangladesh U19 group-stage match of the ongoing ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 did not see the customary handshake during the toss. Addressing the issue, the Bangladesh Cricket Board clarified that the absence of a handshake was completely unintentional and that there was no deliberate intent behind the incident.

India was represented by captain Ayush Mhatre for the toss on Saturday, and the Bangladesh team was represented by its vice-captain Zawad Abrar. India was playing its second match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, while Bangladesh was playing its first.

BCB also said that, due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Abrar represented the team.

In an X post, BCB wrote, "The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action that occurred at the toss prior to the opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe & Namibia, between Bangladesh and India. Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion. The BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition."

Following the incident, BCB took a strong stance on sportsmanship, reminding players to uphold the spirit of cricket and respect opponents, and advising the team management to ensure players maintain high standards of behaviour, emphasising camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions.

"The Board has viewed the matter with due seriousness, as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is a fundamental prerequisite for representing Bangladesh at any level and immediately advised the team management accordingly. The players have also been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposing teams. The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field," BCB added.

Coming to the match, Mhatre-led India registered a thrilling 18-run win over Bangladesh after the second innings was reduced to 29 overs due to rain in the seventh match on Saturday. With this win, India registered their second consecutive win in the ongoing tournament.

India made 238 runs batting first, with three key contributions with the bat. And despite rain impacting Bangladesh's run chase, forcing the implementation of the DLS method and a revised target of 165 from 29 overs, India did enough to hold on for a victory. The Tigers were all out for 146 off 28.3 overs.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi contributed a vital (72 off 67), while Abhigyan Kundu anchored India's batting innings with 80 off 112, perfectly complementing Vaibhav's more aggressive approach. Kanishk Chouhan's 28 off 26 helped with the finishing touches from their 50 overs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I appreciate the BCB addressing it promptly. The spirit of the game is so important, especially for young players. A small gesture like a handshake sets the tone. Glad they've reminded the team.
A
Arjun K
BCB handled it well. No need for any controversy. These are U19 kids, pressure is high. The real story is Vaibhav Suryavanshi's knock and that tight win! Future looks bright. 🏏
P
Priyanka N
Respectfully, even if it was a lapse, it shouldn't happen at this level. These are future stars. Sportsmanship is non-negotiable. The BCB's strong stance is correct and necessary. Good learning moment for the young lad.
V
Vikram M
Momentary lapse? Maybe. But in our culture, a simple 'namaste' or handshake is basic courtesy. Hope the Bangladesh player learns from it. Anyway, fantastic performance by Team India! Abhigyan's anchoring was superb.
D
David E
Watching from Australia. The reaction seems proportionate. The board clarified, took it seriously, and used it as a teaching moment. That's how you build character in young athletes. The match itself was a cracker!

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