India Will Not Shake Hands With Pakistan Players at T20 World Cup

The Indian cricket team will not shake hands with Pakistan players during their upcoming T20 World Cup match. This decision follows past political events between the two countries. The Indian captain said to wait and see if anything changes.
By Newsroom | Cricket, International Relations |

The upcoming T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan is set to continue a diplomatic tension that extends beyond the cricket field. Reports indicate that the Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, will maintain a "no handshake" policy with their Pakistani counterparts, including Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan captain. This stance follows a precedent set in previous ICC and ACC events after political incidents, specifically the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor last year.

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

Historical Context of Diplomatic Strain

The decision by the Indian cricket team to refrain from shaking hands with Pakistani players is not a new development. This policy was observed during the Asia Cup last year, which took place after heightened tensions between the two nations following the aforementioned incidents. The situation was further highlighted when the Indian team, after defeating Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, did not accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the then-Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and Pakistan's Interior Minister.

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

Indian Team's Stance and Captain's Remarks

Reports suggest that Suryakumar Yadav has kept the possibility of a change in approach open, stating, "Wait for 24 hours." However, the overall indication points towards a continuation of the established policy. When questioned about the handshake before the match, Yadav reportedly expressed his frustration with the reporter, questioning the importance of the gesture over the game itself.

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

  • No Handshake Precedent: Indian teams (men's, women's, and U19) have not shaken hands with Pakistan teams in ICC or ACC events since the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

  • Asia Cup Incident: India declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Pakistan.

  • Captain's Ambiguity: Suryakumar Yadav's comments have oscillated between suggesting a possibility of change and questioning the significance of the handshake.

Pakistan Captain's Position

Salman Ali Agha, the captain of the Pakistan team, has indicated a desire for the game to be played "in the spirit." He has also suggested that the decision on whether to shake hands rests with the Indian players. This approach leaves the onus on India to break the current protocol.

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

  • Plea for Spirit of the Game: Agha has called for the match to be conducted in the right manner.

  • Decision Left to India: The Pakistan captain has stated that it is up to India's players to decide on the handshake.

Public and Expert Commentary

The "no handshake" policy has drawn commentary from various figures. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized the approach, describing it as a "silly thing" and suggesting that India should play within the spirit of the game.

  • Sanjay Manjrekar's Criticism: Manjrekar called the policy "silly" and urged India to play properly.

  • Focus on Cricket: Despite the diplomatic undertones, Suryakumar Yadav has expressed a desire to shift the focus back to the game of cricket.

Potential Implications

The continuation of the "no handshake" policy highlights the persistent diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, which have transcended sports. This situation adds an extra layer of significance to the T20 World Cup match, turning it into a focal point for more than just athletic competition.

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  • Diplomatic Tension: The policy reflects ongoing political strain between the two nations.

  • Media Scrutiny: The handshake issue has dominated pre-match discussions and media coverage.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why will India not shake hands with Pakistan?
India has a policy of not shaking hands with Pakistan players after past political events. This has happened in other games too.
Q: What did the Indian captain say?
The Indian captain said to wait and see. He also asked why the handshake is more important than the game.
Q: What did the Pakistan captain say?
The Pakistan captain wants to play in the spirit of the game. He said it is up to India to decide if they will shake hands.
Q: Is this the first time?
No, India has not shaken hands with Pakistan in recent ICC and ACC games.