India Team May Not Shake Hands With Pakistan Team

The Indian cricket team may continue a policy of not shaking hands with Pakistan players during the T20 World Cup. This follows similar actions in past matches and is linked to the political relationship between the countries.
By Newsroom | Cricket, International Relations |

Tensions Mount as Pre-Match Rituals Become Focus

The upcoming T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan is drawing attention not only for its sporting rivalry but also for the continuation of a 'no handshake' policy between the two teams. Reports suggest Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is unlikely to extend a handshake to his Pakistani counterpart, Salman Ali Agha, at the toss, mirroring a stance taken during previous encounters. This developing situation has sparked commentary and debate among former players and observers.

Suryakumar Yadav to continue 'No Handshake' policy with Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha at T20 WC 2026 clash in Colombo: Report - 1

Background: A History of Strained Relations

The reported refusal to shake hands is understood to be a reflection of ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. This approach appears to have been in place since last year's Asia Cup, following events described as ‘Operation Sindoor’. During that tournament, the Indian team also reportedly did not accept the Asia Cup trophy from the Asian Cricket Council chairman, who is also Pakistan's interior minister. This pattern suggests a deliberate, consistent approach by the Indian team concerning interactions with their Pakistani counterparts.

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Suryakumar Yadav to continue 'No Handshake' policy with Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha at T20 WC 2026 clash in Colombo: Report - 2

  • The 'no handshake' policy reportedly began after ‘Operation Sindoor’ during last year's Asia Cup.

  • India’s women’s and youth teams have also reportedly followed a similar stance in matches against Pakistan.

  • The context of these decisions appears linked to broader political and security concerns between the two nations.

Evidence of the 'No Handshake' Stance

Several reports indicate a consistent pattern of not engaging in customary handshakes.

Suryakumar Yadav to continue 'No Handshake' policy with Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha at T20 WC 2026 clash in Colombo: Report - 3

  • Article 3 states, "So it’s highly unlikely that India captain Suryakumar Yadav will shake hands with his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha both during toss and after the match."

  • Article 9, referencing an Asia Cup match, noted, "SKY was seen ignoring the Pakistan skipper again, just like he did in their previous group stage match." This article also features social media posts indicating the absence of handshakes.

  • Article 2 explicitly mentions, "The Indian cricket team will not be shaking hands with the Pakistan players in the group game of the ICC T20 World Cup that will be played in Colombo today."

Suryakumar Yadav's Remarks

Captain Suryakumar Yadav has been questioned regarding the handshake policy, offering responses that have been interpreted as non-committal or indicating a continuation of the current approach.

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Suryakumar Yadav to continue 'No Handshake' policy with Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha at T20 WC 2026 clash in Colombo: Report - 4

  • When asked if the handshake would return in Colombo, Suryakumar Yadav reportedly maintained a "playful but firm silence" (Article 1).

  • Article 6 quotes Yadav saying, "wait for 24 hours," and that the situation "will be on show soon enough" when asked about continuing the trend from the Asia Cup.

  • Article 8 notes that Yadav "remained coy" when asked about his team shaking hands with Pakistan players.

  • Article 4 highlights that Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha stated it is "up to India’s players to decide" on handshakes.

External Commentary on the Policy

The decision to continue the 'no handshake' policy has drawn commentary from figures within the cricket community.

  • Former Indian batsman and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar reportedly voiced his disapproval, calling the move "counterproductive" (Article 1).

  • The overall situation has been described as "off-field drama" adding "more excitement" to the India-Pakistan clash (Article 9).

Deeper Dive: Strategic and Political Undercurrents

The continuation of the 'no handshake' policy by the Indian cricket team appears to be a deliberate signal, intertwining sporting conduct with broader geopolitical considerations.

Diplomatic Echoes on the Field

  • The absence of a handshake between captains at the toss can be viewed as a symbolic act, mirroring the often-strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.

  • Is this policy intended to convey a message of firm stance against perceived provocations or a general recalibration of engagement based on bilateral tensions?

  • The continuity of this stance across different Indian teams (senior, women's, youth) suggests a unified approach rather than an isolated decision by the men's captain.

Impact on Sporting Spirit and Spectacle

  • Critics, like Sanjay Manjrekar, argue that such actions can be "counterproductive," potentially detracting from the spirit of sportsmanship.

  • Does the emphasis on this non-sporting gesture overshadow the athletic contest itself, transforming a cricket match into a proxy for political statements?

  • Could this policy influence player interactions and create an unnecessarily charged atmosphere, beyond the usual intensity of an India-Pakistan fixture?

Conclusion: A Policy Understated but Undeniable

The evidence strongly suggests that India, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, will maintain its 'no handshake' policy with Pakistan during the T20 World Cup in Colombo. While captains have offered guarded responses, the reported actions and the consistent application of this stance across various matches point towards a deliberate continuation. The policy, seemingly a response to bilateral tensions, has drawn criticism for potentially undermining sporting decorum. The absence of a formal handshake at the toss and post-match, therefore, becomes a significant subplot to the high-stakes cricketing encounter, reflecting a complex interplay between sport and politics. Further official statements or actions during the match itself will be key to fully understanding the resolve behind this policy.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will India's captain shake hands with Pakistan's captain?
Reports say it is unlikely. India's captain Suryakumar Yadav has given unclear answers when asked.
Q: Why might they not shake hands?
This seems to be linked to political issues between India and Pakistan. The Indian team has not shaken hands in past games.
Q: Has this happened before?
Yes, the Indian team has reportedly not shaken hands with Pakistan players in recent matches, including during the Asia Cup.
Q: What do others think?
Some former players think this is not good for sportsmanship. They say it can be counterproductive.