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

The leaders did not shake hands before the toss for the ICC Under-19 World Cup Group A match between India and Bangladesh in Bulawayo on Saturday, January 17. The incident garnered notice since it occurred immediately before the start of play, which had been delayed due to rain. Bangladesh won the toss and decided to field first.

With usual captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim missing owing to illness, Bangladesh’s vice-captain, Zawad Abrar, led the team toss.

India was led by Ayush Mhatre in the absence of their regular captain.

The lack of a handshake between the two stand-in captains was obvious and rapidly became a talking topic, particularly given India and Bangladesh’s present tense diplomatic relations.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later explained that the incident was not intentional and refuted claims of a planned snub. According to the board, the timing was entirely accidental.

“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.