U-19 Asia Cup: BCCI stands firm on no-handshake policy despite ICC appeal

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has continued its no-handshake policy with Pakistan, disregarding an appeal from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to keep politics out of junior-level cricket. The stance was once again evident during the India versus Pakistan U-19 Asia Cup Group A match at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai on Sunday.

Both teams entered the high-profile encounter after convincing wins in their opening matches. India had crushed hosts United Arab Emirates by 234 runs, while Pakistan had registered a dominant 297-run victory over Malaysia.

Ahead of the match, reports stated that the ICC had urged India to break its no-handshake policy, emphasising that U-19 cricket should remain free from political influence. The policy was first implemented by the BCCI during the senior Asia Cup in September in Dubai, as a gesture of solidarity with the Indian Army and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The same approach was later followed during the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Rising Stars Asia Cup T20 matches against Pakistan.

Also Read: U-19 Asia Cup: ICC urges India, Pakistan to end no-handshake deadlock

While making its position clear, the ICC left the final decision to the BCCI, noting that the match referee should be informed in advance if the policy was to continue.

On Sunday, India U-19 captain Ayush Mhatre did not shake hands with Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousuf after the toss. After Yousuf elected to bowl first, Mhatre stood behind him without extending a handshake. Following a brief interaction with the presenter, Yousuf handed the microphone to Mhatre and returned to the dugout without making eye contact.