India-Pakistan captains avoid handshake

Ending all speculation, arch-rivals India and Pakistan faced each other at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium. But before the on-field battle began, the old 'handshake issue' came into discussion.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field. However, he did not shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav after the toss. That is, following the Asia Cup, the captains of the two traditional rivals did not observe courtesy in the World Cup either.

India and Pakistan had faced each other three times in the Asia Cup held in the UAE last year. In all three matches, the cricket world witnessed the rare sight of players not shaking hands after the toss or at the end of matches. Now on the T20 World Cup stage, the same incident has been repeated. When questioned about this in the press conference yesterday, both captains gave evasive answers. But today on the field, proof emerged that the ice has not melted.

During a tripartite meeting between the BCB, PCB and ICC in Lahore some days ago, the Pakistan Cricket Board had requested that players from both teams shake hands in this World Cup match. But neither that request to the ICC nor courtesy prevailed.

Just days ago, there was deep uncertainty surrounding this match. Following Bangladesh's non-participation in the World Cup, the Pakistan government had called for boycotting the India match in their support. However, after the tripartite meeting in Lahore, Pakistan reversed that decision and ultimately decided to take the field.

Statistically, India is far ahead. In 16 T20 international encounters, India has won 13, while Pakistan has only 3 victories. India's dominance in World Cups is even more one-sided at 7-1.

Meanwhile, there is also a threat of rain. If the match is abandoned, both teams will receive one point each. Currently, both have 4 points in Group A. Consequently, if points are shared, both India and Pakistan will secure Super Eight berths with 5 points each.