“No handshake” row resurfaces before India-Pakistan T20 clash; Manjrekar calls it “silly”

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised India’s reported “no handshake” stance ahead of the India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, calling it unnecessary and against the spirit of the game. Writing on social media, he said the gesture was “unbecoming of a nation” and that teams should either play properly within cricket’s traditions or not participate at all.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to confirm whether he would shake hands with Pakistan players at the toss or after the match in Colombo, asking reporters to “wait for 24 hours” and stressing the team’s focus on cricket. The uncertainty has added fresh tension to one of the sport’s most closely watched rivalries.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha said his team remains open to the customary greeting and emphasised playing in the right spirit, leaving the final decision to India. The debate gained traction after a similar incident during the Asia Cup, when the lack of a handshake caused controversy and briefly raised boycott concerns.

With both sides preparing for the marquee contest, the focus now shifts from pre-match gestures to on-field performance, though the sportsmanship debate continues to dominate discussion ahead of the encounter between India national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team.