On Sunday, during the India vs Pakistan U-19 Asia Cup match, the BCCI allowed the Indian youth team to uphold their no-handshake policy against Pakistan. The policy persists as the BCCI declined the ICC’s appeal to keep politics out of junior cricket. The U-19 Asia Cup is ongoing, and both teams are competing in their second match. During the toss, Indian captain Ayush Mathre maintained the same stance as the BCCI. The game was held at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai on Saturday.
India and Pakistan are in the same group in the Asia Cup. India scored 433 runs in their first match, defeating the UAE by 234 runs, while Pakistan won their opener against Malaysia by 277 runs.
ICC’s request to BCCI
Before the match, PTI reported that the ICC was eager to exclude politics from U-19 cricket and urged India to reconsider its no-handshake stance. This policy was first enforced in September during the senior Asia Cup in the same city, as a show of solidarity with the Indian Army and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
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However, it was not enforced on the BCCI and also mentioned that if they don’t want to shake hands, then the match referee must be informed in advance.
What happened during the toss?
In reply, BCCI denied ICC’s request and continued their no handshake policy just like the Men’s Asia Cup, Women’s World Cup and in the Rising Asia Cup tournament.
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During the toss Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf opted to bowl first and Indian captain Ayush Mahatre stood behind him without showing any gesture towards him. After having a small interaction with the presenter, Farhan Yousuf handed over the microphone to Mahtre without making any eye contact and walked away from the crease.
The match was delayed due to rain and the innings were reduced to 49 overs.
