Under-19 World Cup 2026: No handshake between India and Bangladesh captains at toss, BCB clarifies

There was no customary handshake between the captains at the toss ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup Group A match between India and Bangladesh in Bulawayo on Saturday, January 17. The incident drew attention as it occurred just before the start of play, following a delayed beginning caused by rain. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first.

With regular captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim ruled out due to illness, vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented Bangladesh at the toss. India were led by Ayush Mhatre in the absence of their regular skipper. The lack of a handshake between the two stand-in captains was noticeable and quickly became a talking point, especially amid the currently strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later clarified that the incident was not intentional and dismissed suggestions of any deliberate snub. According to the board, the moment was purely coincidental.

“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 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,” BCB said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“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. BCB remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field,” it added.

A similar situation occurred at the senior level last year, when the captains of India and Pakistan did not shake hands at the toss during the Asia Cup. Recently, the BCCI requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, while the BCB has reiterated that it does not want its team to play T20 World Cup matches in India.