Pakistan and India Captains Skip Handshake at Under-19 Asia Cup Toss

MUSCAT: Captains of arch-rivals Pakistan and India did not shake hands at the toss during an important match of the Under-19 Asia Cup under way in Oman, completing the toss without any handshake.

Before the start of the match, when the two teams’ skippers walked onto the field for the toss, they avoided shaking hands, contrary to long-standing cricketing tradition, and maintained their distance.

The unusual scene, which unfolded immediately after the toss, has drawn the attention of cricket fans and observers.

International cricket matches and tournaments usually see the captains of both teams shake hands at the toss as a mark of the spirit of the game and mutual respect. However, this traditional contest did not witness that gesture.

India-Pakistan matches have always been marked by intense pressure and tension on and off the field, and this tension became noticeable at the junior level as well.

The Under-19 Asia Cup is being played in Oman under the auspices of the Asian Cricket Council, with leading junior teams from across Asia competing.

So far, neither the tournament management nor the cricket boards of either country has issued any formal statement or comment on the decision not to shake hands at the toss.