Bangladesh, India Players Shake Hands After Game Despite No Greeting at Toss
India and Bangladesh's U19 cricket teams didn't exchange handshakes at the toss during their World Cup match in Bulawayo, sparking controversy. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later clarified that the absence of a handshake was "completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration". The teams, however, did shake hands after the game, which India won by 18 runs (DLS Method).
The incident drew attention due to strained India-Bangladesh relations, mirroring a similar no-handshake policy between India and Pakistan last year.
"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."
India-Bangladesh cricket ties are strained due to the BCCI's decision to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2026 squad. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded by refusing to send their team to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing safety concerns. The BCB has requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka, but the ICC is yet to agree.
The controversy stems from recent violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, which led to protests in India and pressure on the BCCI to take action. The BCB claims Mustafizur's release was "discriminatory and insulting," while the BCCI cited "recent developments" for the decision.
The BCB emphasized its commitment to cricket values and reminded players to maintain sportsmanship.