Controversy erupted during the U-19 World Cup 2026 match between India and Bangladesh after the two captains did not exchange the customary handshake at the toss, triggering widespread discussion on social media. India captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar, who attended the toss in place of regular skipper Azizul Hakim, went through the formalities without the traditional greeting, prompting speculation amid the prevailing political tensions between the two countries.Addressing the issue, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) clarified that the absence of a handshake was “completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration”. The board reiterated this position in an official statement issued on Saturday, stressing that there was no deliberate intent behind the incident.
The toss took place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo ahead of the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup clash, with proceedings delayed due to rain. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. With Azizul Hakim sidelined by illness, vice-captain Abrar represented Bangladesh at the toss alongside Mhatre, where the moment quickly drew attention even before play began.“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action that occurred at the toss prior to the opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe & Namibia, between Bangladesh and India. 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.“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,” said the BCB in its statement.Such incidents are not without precedent. Similar situations occurred during last year’s senior Men’s T20 Asia Cup, when India and Pakistan captains did not shake hands at the toss in all three matches. The latest episode comes amid broader strains in cricketing ties between Bangladesh and India.The BCB is also seeking to avoid playing its Men’s T20 World Cup fixtures in India, particularly after the BCCI requested IPL three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad for the 2026 season.