As India and Pakistan prepared to face off in a high-stakes Group A clash at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium, the focus was not only on the players’ performance but also on a longstanding question—will the teams shake hands? The so-called “handshake controversy” has added an unusual subplot to this eagerly anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 encounter.
Cricket laws do not mandate players to shake hands after a match, though it has been a long-held tradition in the “gentleman’s game”. Recent India-Pakistan encounters have, however, shown a different trend. During the Asia Cup last September, the sides met three times, and not once did players exchange handshakes. Similar behaviour was noted in the Under-19 World Cup and Women’s World Cup, with Indian players avoiding physical contact with their Pakistani counterparts.
With today’s T20 World Cup match following the Asia Cup final, fans and analysts are wondering whether this informal distance will persist.
India’s former spinner Harbhajan Singh downplayed the handshake debate, emphasising that cricket should be defined by on-field performance rather than ceremonial gestures.
“It’s entirely up to the players. No book says you must shake hands or hug after a match. Just go out and give your all on the field,” Harbhajan said.
He also drew comparisons with cricket cultures in Australia and England:
“If players feel that shaking hands or hugging after a game is right… that’s fine. Look at Australia or England—they often sit together after matches. Cricket should be seen for what it is—just cricket.”
