The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to reconsider its no-handshake policy despite International Cricket Council’s plea for keeping political considerations at bay in age-group cricket. During the toss of India vs Pakistan match there was no handshake between Ayush Mhatre and Pakistan skipper.
The fixture marked the second Group A match for both teams in the ongoing U-19 Asia Cup, with India and Pakistan entering the contest on the back of emphatic opening wins. While India had registered a massive 234-run victory over hosts United Arab Emirates, Pakistan had crushed Malaysia by 297 runs. Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, a PTI report stated that ICC had encouraged India to reconsider its stance so as to maintain the non-political tag of junior-level cricket.
The no-handshake policy was for the first time employed this September during the senior men’s Asia Cup in Dubai as a mark of solidarity with the Indian Army as well as the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and has since then been continued in the Women’s ODI World Cup as well as the Rising Stars Asia Cup T20 matches against Pakistan. However, ICC went on to clarify that the final call rested with BCCI, adding the match referee should be informed before the match in case the policy is continued.
During the toss on Sunday, Indian captain Ayush Mhatre refused a handshake with Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousuf. After Yousuf chose to bowl first, Mhatre stayed behind him without extending his hand for a shake. The two players exchanged few words as Yousuf handed over the microphone to Mhatre, without looking at him, before turning around and heading to the dugout.
The toss in Dubai was also delayed as a result of rain. Though the game was scheduled to begin at 10:30 am IST, the belated conditions meant that the toss happened almost 30 minutes later, with the game reduced to 49 overs per side.
