- By Himanshu Badola
- Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs BAN, ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Updates: The Bangladesh Cricket Board has come up with a clarification over the no-handshake incident during their match against India in the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 at the Queen Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday. There were no handshakes that took place between the two captains during the toss time amid the ongoing stand-off between the BCB and the BCCI regarding the T20 World Cup 2026.
Amid the ongoing cricketing chaos between both countries, the BCCI played down the no-handshake issue by claiming that it was “unintentional" and happened due to a “momentary lapse in concentration". India captain Ayush Mhatra was present at the toss while Bangladesh were represented by their vice-captain Zawad Abrar instead of regular skipper Azizul Hakim, who BCB say was unable to attend due to an illness.
"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action that occurred at the toss prior to the opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe & Namibia, between Bangladesh and India. Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion," the BCB said in an official statement.
"The BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition," it added.
After Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl, both Ayush Mhatre, the Indian captain and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar went their own ways to speak to the broadcaster at different times. The BCB went on to mention that their U19 players have been reminded of the responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship.
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"The Board has viewed the matter with due seriousness, as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is a fundamental prerequisite for representing Bangladesh at any level and immediately advised the team management accordingly. The players have also been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposing teams," the statement stated.
This was the first time that India and Bangladesh ditched the customary handshake. The relations between the two nations have been strained ever since the multiple incidents of Hindus being killed in Bangladesh.