No Handshake at Toss in Colombo Clash
Tensions resurfaced at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav once again declined to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha. The incident occurred ahead of the high-voltage Pakistan vs India clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
As both captains walked toward the presenter for the toss, there was no visible handshake or exchange between them. Cameras closely followed the moment. Fans on social media quickly reacted.
Before the match, Yadav had urged reporters to wait and see what would happen. However, the customary pre-match handshake did not take place. The move drew attention as it mirrored similar scenes from previous encounters.
Cricket has long upheld the handshake as a symbol of sportsmanship. The absence of this gesture once again sparked debate. Many fans described it as disappointing. Others defended the decision as a personal choice.
Asia Cup History and Rising Political Tensions
The controversy dates back to last year’s Asia Cup. Pakistan and India faced each other three times during that tournament in Dubai. On each occasion, Yadav declined to shake hands with the Pakistan captain.
Those matches came shortly after heightened political tensions between the two countries. In May 2025, India and Pakistan were involved in a brief military conflict. The crisis eventually ended after mediation efforts led by the United States.
The Asia Cup became the first cricket event after that conflict. Emotions were high on both sides. The repeated handshake refusal drew criticism from fans and former players in India and Pakistan.
Ahead of the latest T20 World Cup match, Salman Ali Agha had expressed hope for a sporting gesture. Speaking to reporters in Colombo, he emphasized the importance of playing in the true spirit of the game. He noted that handshakes have been a long-standing cricket tradition.
Agha said both teams would see what happened on match day. His remarks were widely shared before the toss.
“Game Is More Important,” Says Indian Captain
When asked directly about the handshake before the match, Yadav avoided giving a clear answer. He asked reporters to wait 24 hours. He stressed that the match itself was more important than any pre-game ritual.
Yadav said the focus should remain on cricket. He emphasized preparation, rest and performance. According to him, the result of the game matters more than ceremonial gestures.
The moment once again highlighted the intense nature of the Pakistan vs India rivalry. Every action is closely observed. Every gesture carries meaning.
The absence of a handshake did not reduce the intensity on the field. Both teams remained focused on securing crucial points in the T20 World Cup.
While the scoreboard will decide the winner, the handshake debate continues to generate headlines. The rivalry remains fierce. The spotlight remains global.
