Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma was present in Colombo for the marquee India-Pakistan T20 World Cup group game alongside Pakistani legend Wasim Akram, with the two sharing warm greetings sometime before the game got underway. The two cricket icons hugged amid the ‘no handshake’ policy deployed by the Indian Team against Pakistan. While India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav maintained the team’s stance of not honouring the unsaid yet compulsory handshake ritual at the toss and after the game, Rohit and Akram seemed unfazed by the BCCI’s directives in India-Pakistan matches.&nbsp;WATCH VIDEO –

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Legends Hugs, Kids don’t Shake Hands.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/FmfZlF12yA">pic.twitter.com/FmfZlF12yA</a>&mdash; Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/nibraz88cricket/status/2023107278841520441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, ahead of the showdown tie in Colombo between the two arch-rivals, the two captains shared their thoughts on the handshake saga. On the one hand, Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha hoped that the ‘spirit of the game’ would take precedence during this high-octane clash; on the other, Suryakumar Yadav kept everyone guessing whether he would maintain the stance or break the ice to honour it.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sanjay-manjrekar-slams-team-india-no-shaking-hands-policy-against-pakistan-t20-world-cup-feb-15-colombo-rain-threat-1771144469169">‘Either play properly or…’ Manjrekar slams Team India’s ‘no shaking hands’ policy against Pakistan</a> &nbsp;"The game should be played in that spirit of cricket," Pakistan captain Agha said ahead of the India match in the T20 WC. "What I expect doesn't matter. But I do feel the game should be played in the way it has been played since cricket started. Rest is up to them [India], whatever they want to do." &nbsp;Indian captain SKY said it’s not the most important thing, and that cricket should be discussed instead. "Wait for 24 hours, no." &nbsp;"Why are you [speculating] now? We have come here to play cricket, we'll play good cricket. We will take the call [on handshake] later. Dine well, sleep,” he continued.<h2>What happened at the toss and during the game?</h2>Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav maintained the team's stance and chose not to shake hands with his counterpart, and the Indian team followed suit after the match.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and decided to bowl first, a decision that felt off, considering the team batting first often wins at this venue. However, moving to the game, India got off to a shaky start, with Abhishek Sharma falling on a four-ball duck. Ishan Kishan saved his team’s grace with a brilliant 77 before handy contributions from SKY and the lower-order propelled India to 175 for seven in 20 overs. &nbsp;The chase was always going to be tricky for Pakistan, and it unfolded likewise, with the Men in Green losing three wickets within the first two overs. Babar Azam also departed inside the Powerplay before a flurry of wickets dented Pakistan’s momentum. Keeper-batter Usman Khan fought a lone battle before Pakistan got bundled out on 114 in 18 overs, losing this crucial tie by 61 runs. &nbsp;With this win, India qualified for the Super 8s, becoming only the second team after West Indies to advance to the next round.

WATCH: Rohit Sharma hugs Wasim Akram in Colombo, defying India’s ‘no handshake’ policy during the 2026 T20 World Cup clash. See the viral moment here!

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma was present in Colombo for the marquee India-Pakistan T20 World Cup group game alongside Pakistani legend Wasim Akram, with the two sharing warm greetings sometime before the game got underway. The two cricket icons hugged amid the ‘no handshake’ policy deployed by the Indian Team against Pakistan. While India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav maintained the team’s stance of not honouring the unsaid yet compulsory handshake ritual at the toss and after the game, Rohit and Akram seemed unfazed by the BCCI’s directives in India-Pakistan matches. WATCH VIDEO –

WATCH: Rohit Sharma hugs Wasim Akram in Colombo, defying India’s ‘no handshake’ policy during the 2026 T20 World Cup clash. See the viral moment here!

WATCH | Rohit Sharma breaks 'no handshake’ trend, hugs Pakistan's Wasim Akram before IND-PAK tie

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has cleared its stance on the no-handshake saga that made headlines at the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup game between India and Bangladesh in Bulawayo. The two respective captains present at the toss did not shake hands, leading to widespread speculations of growing tensions between the two countries amid the T20 WC venue change row; however, the teams later shook hands after the game, which India won by 18 runs (D/L method).&nbsp;&nbsp;Putting all those rumours under the mat, the BCB confirmed that this episode was ‘completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration' on their part. The BCCI is yet to comment on this. &nbsp;While Aayush Mhatre represented India’s U-19 team at the toss, Bangladesh’s vice-captain Zawad Abrar stood in for the regular skipper Azizul Hakim, who was unwell but was part of the playing XI. &nbsp;The BCB clarified that whatever happened was unintentional and that they had no intentions whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the Indian Team. The board has also addressed this matter with utter seriousness, urging the team management to act immediately; they also reminded the players of their responsibilities of maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship and mutual respect.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcb-asks-icc-to-move-bangladesh-s-t20-world-cup-games-from-india-to-sri-lanka-1768664554117">BCB asks ICC to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup games from India to Sri Lanka</a>&nbsp;"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 said in a statement. "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. &nbsp;"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,” it further read. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the frequency of no-handshakes at cricket matches has increased lately, mostly involving India-Pakistan matches due to strained political relations between the two neighbouring countries. Recent examples include the men's Asia Cup, women's ODI World Cup, Rising Stars Asia Cup and the Under-19 Asia Cup. &nbsp;Besides, the relations between India and Bangladesh have also deteriorated following the BCCI’s directives of releasing seamer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026 over internal chaos and regular attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

While Aayush Mhatre represented India’s U-19 team at the toss, Bangladesh’s vice-captain Zawad Abrar stood in for the regular skipper Azizul Hakim, who was unwell but was part of the playing XI.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has cleared its stance on the no-handshake saga that made headlines at the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup game between India and Bangladesh in Bulawayo. The two respective captains present at the toss did not shake hands, leading to widespread speculations of growing tensions between the two countries amid the T20 WC venue change row; however, the teams later shook hands after the game, which India won by 18 runs (D/L method). Putting all those rumours under the mat, the BCB confirmed that this episode was ‘completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration' on their part. The BCCI is yet to comment on this. While Aayush Mhatre represented India’s U-19 team at the toss, Bangladesh’s vice-captain Zawad Abrar stood in for the regular skipper Azizul Hakim, who was unwell but was part of the playing XI. The BCB clarified that whatever happened was unintentional and that they had no intentions whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the Indian Team. The board has also addressed this matter with utter seriousness, urging the team management to act immediately; they also reminded the players of their responsibilities of maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship and mutual respect. Also read | BCB asks ICC to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup games from India to Sri Lanka "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 said in a statement. "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. "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,” it further read. Meanwhile, the frequency of no-handshakes at cricket matches has increased lately, mostly involving India-Pakistan matches due to strained political relations between the two neighbouring countries. Recent examples include the men's Asia Cup, women's ODI World Cup, Rising Stars Asia Cup and the Under-19 Asia Cup. Besides, the relations between India and Bangladesh have also deteriorated following the BCCI’s directives of releasing seamer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026 over internal chaos and regular attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh.

While Aayush Mhatre represented India’s U-19 team at the toss, Bangladesh’s vice-captain Zawad Abrar stood in for the regular skipper Azizul Hakim, who was unwell but was part of the playing XI.

India vs Bangladesh: BCB clears stance on no-handshake row at Under-19 World Cup

For a second time in a row, the two captains, Suryakumar Yadav from India and Salman Agha from Pakistan, avoided a handshake at the toss during the side’s Super Four Asia Cup match in Dubai on Sunday (Sep 21). Following the handshake row after their group game the previous Sunday, which made headlines worldwide, the two captains maintained their stance of not approaching for the customary handshake at the toss, indicating that tensions between the two countries continue to remain high. Moreover, Andy Pycroft secured his position as the tournament’s match referee despite PCB’s dire effort to release him from his post over the infamous handshake saga.&nbsp;Meanwhile, India won the toss and elected to bowl first against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Salman called out the toss only for the coin to fall in favour of SKY, who decided to field first. While India brought in two match-winning bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in place of two seamers, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, Pakistan made as many changes, bringing in Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-vs-pakistan-former-opener-slams-pakistan-s-cricket-standards-says-shouldn-t-be-playing-1758437287339">Asia Cup 2025, IND vs PAK: Former opener slams Pakistan's cricket standards, says 'shouldn't be playing...'</a> &nbsp;“We'll bowl first,” Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss. “Looks a nice track and yesterday there was dew. Since the first round, we were thinking we're playing a knockout tournament, nothing changes. That was a completely different wicket (in Abu Dhabi). Quite normal, just another game. Bumrah and Varun come back for Arshdeep and Harshit.” &nbsp;On the other hand, Salman, looking stiff at the toss, admitted to wanting to bowl first.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Would've bowled first as well. It's a new game, new challenge. The mood is very normal. Pitch looks to be on the slower side. Want to start well with both bat and ball. Two changes. Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah not playing,” Pakistan captain said.&nbsp;<h3>Less crowd a worry &nbsp;</h3>Unlike how the crowd filled the Dubai Stadium during their previous clash, there were plenty of empty seats during the toss time between India and Pakistan's Asia Cup Super-Four game at the same venue, indicating worrying signs for the organisers. &nbsp;Team Sheets for today’s game – &nbsp;India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy &nbsp;Pakistan (Playing XI): Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Moreover, Andy Pycroft secured his position as the tournament’s match referee despite PCB’s dire effort to release him from his post over the infamous handshake saga.

For a second time in a row, the two captains, Suryakumar Yadav from India and Salman Agha from Pakistan, avoided a handshake at the toss during the side’s Super Four Asia Cup match in Dubai on Sunday (Sep 21). Following the handshake row after their group game the previous Sunday, which made headlines worldwide, the two captains maintained their stance of not approaching for the customary handshake at the toss, indicating that tensions between the two countries continue to remain high. Moreover, Andy Pycroft secured his position as the tournament’s match referee despite PCB’s dire effort to release him from his post over the infamous handshake saga. Meanwhile, India won the toss and elected to bowl first against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Salman called out the toss only for the coin to fall in favour of SKY, who decided to field first. While India brought in two match-winning bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in place of two seamers, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, Pakistan made as many changes, bringing in Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat. Also read | Asia Cup 2025, IND vs PAK: Former opener slams Pakistan's cricket standards, says 'shouldn't be playing...' “We'll bowl first,” Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss. “Looks a nice track and yesterday there was dew. Since the first round, we were thinking we're playing a knockout tournament, nothing changes. That was a completely different wicket (in Abu Dhabi). Quite normal, just another game. Bumrah and Varun come back for Arshdeep and Harshit.” On the other hand, Salman, looking stiff at the toss, admitted to wanting to bowl first. “Would've bowled first as well. It's a new game, new challenge. The mood is very normal. Pitch looks to be on the slower side. Want to start well with both bat and ball. Two changes. Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah not playing,” Pakistan captain said. Less crowd a worry Unlike how the crowd filled the Dubai Stadium during their previous clash, there were plenty of empty seats during the toss time between India and Pakistan's Asia Cup Super-Four game at the same venue, indicating worrying signs for the organisers. Team Sheets for today’s game – India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy Pakistan (Playing XI): Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Moreover, Andy Pycroft secured his position as the tournament’s match referee despite PCB’s dire effort to release him from his post over the infamous handshake saga.

India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup: Captains avoid handshake at toss for second time; less crowd a worry

no-handshake

No Handshake, News on No Handshake, stories on No Handshake, articles on No Handshake, No Handshake stories at Wion, No Handshake news, No Handshake latest news