Bangladesh and India Under-19 players did not shake hands after the toss in Bulawayo on Saturday. The moment created debate even before the World Cup match began.
The incident happened during the toss. India Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre came out for the toss. Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar was there too. Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim Tamim did not go for the toss. He was not ready at that time. So he sent Abrar instead.
Match referee Dean Koska asked Mhatre to flip the coin. Abrar made the call. Bangladesh won the toss. After the toss, Mhatre stepped away. He did not shake hands with Abrar. Abrar also did not move forward for a handshake.
The match started at 1:30 pm Bangladesh time. But the handshake issue became a big talking point right away. The background is tense. Relations between India and Bangladesh have become strained in recent weeks. This followed Mustafizur Rahman being left out of the IPL. Reports said it happened after a directive linked to the BCCI.
Bangladesh also does not want to travel to India for the T20 World Cup. The government has taken a firm position on the issue. Bangladesh wants the matches to be played outside India. The ICC and the BCB are still in contact. Talks are going on to find a solution. An ICC representative was also expected to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday for a meeting.
But before any decision comes, the tension has already reached the field. The toss ended without a handshake, and it set the tone for the day.
