India Captain Says 'Wait and See' on Handshake Before Pakistan Match

India's cricket captain, Suryakumar Yadav, was asked if his team will shake hands with Pakistan before their T20 World Cup game. He said to 'wait and see' what happens. He also said the team will play in the right spirit.
By Newsroom | Cricket, International Sports |

Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of the Indian cricket team, has offered guarded responses regarding the possibility of Indian players shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts before their upcoming T20 World Cup match. His comments, made during pre-match press conferences, have done little to clarify the team's intentions, instead adding a layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes encounter. The prevailing atmosphere appears to be one of calculated ambiguity, with Yadav urging observers to "wait and see" what unfolds on the day of the match.

'Wait for 24 hours...': Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on handshake controversy ahead of India vs Pakistan T20 WC 2026 Clash - 1

The T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This fixture follows a period where a previous handshake incident between the two teams during the Asia Cup 2025 had generated significant discussion. While the immediate focus for Yadav seems to be on the upcoming game, the past event casts a long shadow, prompting questions about the current team's approach to sportsmanship and diplomatic gestures.

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'Wait for 24 hours...': Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on handshake controversy ahead of India vs Pakistan T20 WC 2026 Clash - 2

Pre-Match Rhetoric and Player Availability

Ahead of the significant clash, Suryakumar Yadav provided updates on the fitness of Abhishek Sharma, confirming his recovery from a stomach flu. This news serves as a "major boost" for the Indian batting lineup, suggesting Sharma will be available for selection in the playing eleven. Another player, Washington Sundar, is also reportedly fit and may be included in the squad. These player-centric updates, while important for team strategy, are being discussed alongside the persistent questions about the handshake protocol.

'Wait for 24 hours...': Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on handshake controversy ahead of India vs Pakistan T20 WC 2026 Clash - 3

Ambiguous Declarations on Sportsmanship

When directly questioned about whether Indian players would shake hands with the Pakistan team, Suryakumar Yadav's responses have been notably evasive.

'Wait for 24 hours...': Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on handshake controversy ahead of India vs Pakistan T20 WC 2026 Clash - 4

  • He has suggested that the decision rests with the "Indian camp" and what "they want to do."

  • In one instance, his reply was, "Eat well, sleep well, we will see tomorrow.”

  • Another notable statement was, "Wait for 24 hours," indicating a deliberate delay in revealing the team's stance.

  • He also implied that the upcoming match should be played in the "right spirit."

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These statements suggest a cautious approach, possibly influenced by past events or broader diplomatic considerations.

Historical Context of Handshake Incidents

The current uncertainty is amplified by a past incident during the Asia Cup 2025. Reports indicate that during a Super 4 stage match, Team India did not engage in the customary handshake with the Pakistan team after the game.

  • September 14, 2025: After a group stage match, Indian players reportedly did not shake hands with the Pakistan team.

  • Suryakumar Yadav's Stance (2025): In response to this, Yadav had stated that he "gave proper reply" and that "a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit." He also aligned the team's actions with the BCCI and government's stance.

  • Pakistan's Reaction (2025): Pakistan's coach, Mike Hesson, mentioned that their skipper, Salman Ali Agha, did not attend the presentation ceremony due to the perceived snub. A deliberate distance was observed between Yadav and Agha on that occasion.

  • Broader Implications: This past event has been interpreted as having "heavy political weight," demonstrating how even simple gestures in India-Pakistan sporting encounters can carry significant symbolic meaning.

Pakistan's Non-Committal Position

Notably, the Pakistani camp has mirrored India's reserve on the handshake issue. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha also remained "non-committal" when asked about the prospect of shaking hands with the Indian players. This shared ambiguity from both captains adds to the anticipation surrounding the pre-match formalities.

Expert Analysis and Broader Themes

The situation highlights the complex interplay between sports and politics, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations.

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  • Psychological Warfare: One article notes that the pre-match rhetoric has created an "atmosphere of psychological warfare," suggesting that these diplomatic nuances are part of the broader contest.

  • Focus on Cricket: Suryakumar Yadav has expressed a desire for the focus to shift back to cricket, especially concerning the crucial Super 4 match. He has emphasized the importance of "unity and discipline within the squad."

  • Political Backdrop: The handshake boycott in 2025 was explicitly linked to the "political backdrop," indicating that team actions are often viewed through a political lens.

Findings and Implications

Suryakumar Yadav's public statements ahead of the India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match reflect a deliberate strategy of maintaining ambiguity regarding player interactions, specifically the handshake. This approach appears to be informed by past incidents and potentially by wider political sensitivities. The Pakistani captain has adopted a similar stance, suggesting a mutual understanding to avoid definitive pre-match pronouncements on the matter. The situation indicates that the customary sportsmanship gestures may be subordinate to other considerations, including national sentiment and government directives, when these two cricketing rivals meet. The outcome of this subtle diplomatic maneuvering remains to be seen on the field.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will India and Pakistan players shake hands before the match?
Captain Suryakumar Yadav said to 'wait and see' and did not give a clear answer. He said the team will play in the right spirit.
Q: Why is this a big question?
There was a similar situation in a past match where Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistan players. This caused a lot of talk.
Q: What did Suryakumar Yadav say before?
Last time, he said some things are more important than sportsmanship and that the team followed the government's advice.
Q: Is Pakistan's captain saying anything?
Pakistan's captain also did not give a clear answer about shaking hands. He is also waiting to see what happens.