India captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided a handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss ahead of the high-voltage T20 World Cup clash in Colombo on Sunday, continuing India’s no-handshake stance in matches against Pakistan.
The moment quickly caught attention during the pre-match formalities as the two captains stood side by side but did not exchange handshakes. India has been following this position since the Asia Cup 2025, and it has now become a consistent approach across men’s, women’s and age-group matches between the two sides.
Policy continues from Asia Cup 2025
The no-handshake policy first came into focus during last year’s Asia Cup in Dubai. Since then, players from India and Pakistan have not shaken hands before or after matches.
The move came in the backdrop of heightened tensions following the Pahalgam massacre and Operation Sindoor carried out by Indian Armed Forces. Cricketing ties between the two nations have remained sensitive, and symbolic gestures on the field have also drawn scrutiny.
At the toss in Colombo, Suryakumar Yadav chose not to elaborate on the issue when asked. He smiled and brushed aside the question, keeping the focus on cricket.
“Now wait for 24 hours for that. Why put so much focus on that? We have come to play cricket. We will play good cricket. We will take all those calls later tomorrow. Wait for it. Eat well and go to sleep,” he said.
Pakistan captain responds cautiously
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had earlier addressed the possibility of a handshake during a pre-match press conference. He kept his response measured, suggesting the matter was not in his control.
“We will see about it tomorrow,” Agha said when asked if the teams would shake hands.
He added that the spirit of cricket should remain intact regardless of off-field tensions.
“Cricket should be played in the right spirit. My personal opinion may not matter. But cricket should be played according to how it has always been meant to be played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” he noted.
Flashpoint during Asia Cup final
The issue had already sparked controversy during the Asia Cup 2025. Reports at the time suggested Pakistan officials, including PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, reacted strongly to India’s stance. Pakistan briefly considered boycotting a fixture before deciding to continue in the tournament.
The debate intensified during the final. After defeating Pakistan, the Indian team did not accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as ACC chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister. The trophy reportedly remained with Naqvi afterward and has not yet been formally handed over to India.
Debate over cricketing spirit
The ongoing stance has triggered mixed reactions within the cricket community. While some view it as a reflection of current geopolitical realities, others believe it goes against cricket’s traditional spirit.
Former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar recently criticised the move, calling it unnecessary and suggesting that sports should remain separate from politics.
Despite the debate, both teams remained focused on the match itself in Colombo, with the rivalry once again taking centre stage on the global stage.
As India and Pakistan continue to avoid pre-match handshakes, the discussion around symbolism, sportsmanship and diplomacy in cricket is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
