Tensions spill onto field as India, B'desh U-19 captains skip handshake
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Bulawayo: The ongoing strain in bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh spilled onto the cricket field as the captains of the two Under-19 teams refrained from the customary handshake before their ICC Under-19 World Cup Group A match on Saturday.
After a rain-delayed start, India skipper Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar participated in the toss, but no exchange of cordiality took place before or after the coin spin. Both teams have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
It may be noted that a no-handshake policy has previously been observed between India and Pakistan since last year’s Asia Cup, following the Pahalgam massacre and the subsequent Operation Sindoor conducted by the Indian Armed Forces.
Relations between India and Bangladesh, both politically and in cricketing circles, have been at a low point in recent weeks. Several anti-Bangladesh rallies were held across India, protesting alleged persecution of minorities in the neighbouring country.
Ties in cricket have also suffered. The BCCI recently directed Kolkata Knight Riders to terminate the IPL contract of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, escalating tensions. In response, Bangladesh has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its upcoming T20 World Cup matches from Kolkata and Mumbai, citing potential security risks to players, officials, and fans. Discussions on the matter are currently underway between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
With PTI inputs
