Dubai : India’s Under-19 cricket team stuck to its ‘no-handshake’ policy against Pakistan during their Asia Cup encounter, choosing not to follow the traditional pre-match gesture despite reports of an ICC request to maintain standard sporting protocol.
According to the report, the Indian players refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts at the toss, continuing a stance that has been followed by Indian teams in recent India-Pakistan fixtures across levels. The move drew attention as it came amid claims that the International Cricket Council had advised teams to keep politics out of junior cricket and adhere to customary on-field etiquette.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly did not alter its position. Sources indicated that while the ICC expressed its preference, the Indian board maintained that the decision rested with the team management, and match officials were informed in advance about India’s approach.
The incident underlined how off-field tensions continue to influence on-field interactions, even in age-group tournaments, with India opting to prioritise its established policy over ceremonial protocol during the high-profile U-19 Asia Cup clash.
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