Handshake row of IND-BAN U19 World Cup takes a surprising turn

At the recent handshake row between India and Bangladesh, the two captains skipped the customary gesture, sparking comparisons with India-Pakistan encounters at last year’s Asia Cup.

Controversy arose after last year’s Asia Cup final, when India declined to shake hands with Pakistani players. The decision reportedly was taken after the terror attack that happened in J&K’s Pahalgam. A similar situation occurred between India and Bangladesh in the latest Under-19 World Cup.

BCB issues clarification after its captain didn’t shake hands with India’s skipper.

On Saturday, India and Bangladesh players shook hands after their U19 World Cup Group B match in Bulawayo, amid political tensions between the two nations. This has come after a controversy that erupted at the toss, where the two captains skipped the customary gesture, sparking comparisons with India-Pakistan encounters at the Asia Cup last year. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a clarification soon after stand-in captain ZawadAbrar didn’t shake hands with India skipper AyushMhatre.

BCB insisted that the lack of a handshake was completely unintentional.

The BCB clarified on the matter, saying that the absence of a handshake was “completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration.” Putting an end to the controversy, following India’s 18-run win (DLS method), the two sides eventually lined up to shake hands. Meanwhile, India registered a thrilling 18-run win over Bangladesh after the second innings was reduced to 29 overs due to rain. It was India’s second consecutive win in the ongoing tournament. Earlier, the AyushMhatre-led side defeated the USA in their opening fixture. India’s Vihaan Malhotra was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.

India captain AyushMahtre praised the all-round effort from his players after the match. He said, “The way Kundu and Vaibhav batted was really brilliant. Even Kanishk batted brilliantly in the end. There was a little dampness on the wicket. The ball was sticking on the wicket from the back of the length. It was difficult. There was a simple discussion: the break was on our side because there was some momentum for Bangladesh. Boys were confident we could defend the total. The batsman doesn’t expect a part-timer to come in this situation [and hence giving the ball to Malhotra]. I’m pretty confident in his skills.”