The strained relationship between India and Pakistan was evident even in Under-19 cricket. The BCCI ignored the International Cricket Council’s appeal to keep junior cricket away from politics. India continued its no-handshake policy against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup being played in Dubai.
BCCI continue with their no handshake policy
The ICC had requested India to adhere to the tradition of shaking hands before Sunday’s high-voltage Group A match at the ICC Cricket Academy. According to a PTI report, the ICC wanted to keep politics separate from the game at the Under-19 level.
However, the final decision was left to the BCCI, which maintained its existing policy. Both India and Pakistan entered this match having won their opening matches. India had defeated the UAE by 234 runs in their opening match, while Pakistan had defeated Malaysia by 297 runs. Therefore, the match was considered extremely important.
The no-handshake policy began in September at the Senior Asia Cup in Dubai. This decision was taken as a show of solidarity with the Indian soldiers and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The same approach was subsequently adopted against Pakistan in the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Rising Stars Asia Cup T20.
The ICC had clarified that if India wanted to continue with this policy, it would need to inform the match referee in advance. The BCCI followed the same procedure and did not change its stance in the Under-19 Asia Cup.At the toss, Indian captain Ayush Mhatre did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf. Having won the toss, Farhan Yousuf decided to bowl first. When the host spoke with him after the toss, Yousuf handed the microphone to Ayush Mhatre without making eye contact and headed straight back to the dugout.