Tensions flared ahead of the U19 World Cup Group A clash as India captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar skipped the customary pre-match handshake during the toss. Abrar represented Bangladesh in the absence of captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim, who was sidelined due to illness.
The gesture—or lack thereof—highlighted growing strains between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in recent weeks.
The tension stems partly from developments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and concerns regarding Bangladesh’s upcoming participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Earlier this month, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad following a directive from the BCCI.
The decision came amid growing calls within India to remove the bowler due to reports of attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh. The move sparked strong criticism from Bangladesh’s cricket authorities and government.
In response, the BCB formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting consideration of relocating Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has suspended IPL broadcasts within the country, further straining cricketing ties.
With less than three weeks remaining until the T20 World Cup, uncertainty persists over Bangladesh’s participation. The team is scheduled to play its group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, raising questions about logistics, player availability, and fan access.
The U19 World Cup toss incident underscores how political and administrative tensions can spill over onto the field, affecting player interactions and international cricket relations. Analysts and fans alike are watching closely to see if diplomacy, cricketing boards, and ICC intervention can prevent further escalation and ensure a smooth tournament.
