🚨 BREAKING: India vs Pakistan Handshake Controversy – No Handshake Today in Colombo
BREAKING NEWS: India to Skip Handshake with Pakistan Today
The Indian cricket team is expected to forgo the customary handshake with the Pakistan players during their group match of the ICC T20 World Cup in Colombo today. According to media reports, the team plans to uphold the current stance of not participating in the handshake tradition. It is also unlikely that captain Suryakumar Yadav will offer a handshake to Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha during the toss.
Match Details:
- Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss 6:30 PM)
- Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Handshake Status: India maintains “No Handshake” policy
Operation Sindoor: Why No Handshake?
The decision to skip the formal handshake tradition is a continuation of the status quo established during the Asia Cup last year. This protocol was initiated following “Operation Sindoor,” as hostilities between the neighboring nations since May 2025.
Background: It all started during the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai, following Operation Sindoor, a response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 carried out by the organisation based in Pakistan. The Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, skipped the usual pre-match and post-match handshakes with Pakistan.
Suryakumar’s Statement (Asia Cup 2025): The captain confirmed that the decision was in line with the Indian government and the BCCI, showing respect for victims and supporting Indian armed forces.
What Both Captains Said
Suryakumar Yadav’s Response
When questioned about the handshake yesterday, India’s captain kept things ambiguous: “You will see in 24 hours. Eat well, sleep well, we will see tomorrow,” he remarked, neither confirming nor denying the gesture.
An irate Indian skipper snapped at the reporter: “We will break the suspense tomorrow. Is the game important or this? Wait for 24 hours,” Suryakumar Yadav said.
Salman Ali Agha’s Response
Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha echoed similar uncertainty, stating, “We will see it tomorrow”.
“We will see about it tomorrow,” Agha gave a cryptic response about the possibility of a handshake in the pre-match press conference here on Saturday.
Asia Cup Trophy Still Not Received
This follows a bizarre incident in the previous Asia Cup final where the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi. Reports indicate the Indian team is still awaiting that trophy after Naqvi took it with him following the ceremony.
Sanjay Manjrekar Slams India’s Decision
Sanjay Manjrekar boldly suggested India play Pakistan within the spirit of the game; otherwise, they should not face them at all in any tournament.
Manjrekar’s Tweet: “This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all” .
BCCI’s Official Stand
The BCCI has remained firm. The Indian board has stated that a handshake is a goodwill gesture and not a compulsory rule under the ICC rulebook.
What Happens Today?
India-Pak ‘No Handshake’ row continues, Fans left dejected as stars refuse to bridge the gap yet again
Expected Scenarios:
- No handshake at toss
- No handshake before match
- No handshake after match
- Players may avoid on-field interactions
Fans’ Reaction
Cricket fans worldwide are divided on this issue. While some support India’s stance citing political tensions, others believe cricket should remain separate from politics and the spirit of the game should be maintained.
Social Media Buzz:
- #NoHandshake trending
- #IndvsPak heated debates
- Mixed reactions from both countries
- Calls for normalcy in cricket
Conclusion
India will maintain their “No Handshake” policy against Pakistan in today’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at Colombo. The decision stems from tensions following Operation Sindoor in May 2025. While critics like Sanjay Manjrekar call it “silly,” the BCCI stands firm that handshakes are not mandatory under ICC rules.
The focus now shifts to the on-field battle at 7:00 PM IST, where cricket will do the talking