Former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised India’s controversial no-handshake stance ahead of the highly anticipated Group A clash against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo.
Taking to social media platform X, Manjrekar described the policy, enforced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as “silly” and “unbecoming” of the nation.
Manjrekar posted hours before the fixture, writing:
“This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all.”
The former batter emphasised that cricket, particularly between historic rivals like India and Pakistan, should uphold sportsmanship and mutual respect on and off the field.
India’s no-handshake approach originates from the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in 2025 and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, a military response that escalated tensions between the two nations. Since then, the Indian men’s cricket team has refrained from the customary handshakes with Pakistan during pre-match ceremonies.
The absence of the traditional gesture has become one of the tournament’s most discussed storylines. Media attention has focused on whether the captains will shake hands at the toss or after the game.
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stated that the decision to shake hands lies entirely with India. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav remained evasive in pre-match briefings, hinting at a dramatic reveal during the match.
“I will break the suspense tomorrow [Sunday]. Wait for 24 hours, let us play the game which is more important,” Yadav said on Saturday.
The statement has added an extra layer of intrigue to the match, with fans and analysts closely watching every gesture from the players.
