India Refuses Handshakes With Pakistan After T20 World Cup Victory
COLOMBO – Political tensions overshadowed on-field action at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Team India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs, only to break tradition by refusing the customary post-match handshakes.
Handshake Snub in Colombo
The match at the R. Premadasa Stadium ended with a dominant performance by the Men in Blue. However, the post-match presentation witnessed awkward scenes. As the Pakistani squad, including senior pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and spinner Usman Tariq, lined up on the outfield for the traditional exchange of pleasantries, the Indian team walked past them without making eye contact.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav led his side straight to the dressing room, bypassing Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and his teammates. This departure from sportsmanship norms mirrors a policy reportedly adopted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the 2025 Asia Cup.
Diplomatic Stance: Operation Sindoor
Sources close to the team indicate the move serves as a protest against the Pahalgam terror attack and a show of solidarity with the Indian Army following ‘Operation Sindoor.’ The decision to forego handshakes was visible even before play began, with Yadav and Agha maintaining distance during the coin toss.
Match Summary: India Dominates
Despite the diplomatic friction, India produced a clinical cricketing display. The 61-run victory margin significantly boosts India’s Net Run Rate (NRR) going into the Super Eight stage.
| Match Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Result | India won by 61 runs |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| India Captain | Suryakumar Yadav |
| Pakistan Captain | Salman Ali Agha |
Tournament Implications
With this victory, India has secured qualification for the Super Eight. The team will travel back to India for their next fixture.
- Next Opponent: Netherlands
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Date: Wednesday
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. The ICC Technical Committee may review the footage to determine if the refusal violates the Code of Conduct regarding the Spirit of Cricket, though historically, handshake protocols are customary rather than mandatory regulations.