Bulawayo: The ICC Men’s U19 World Cup match between Bangladesh and India at the Queen’s Sports Club was marred by rain as players from both teams exchanged customary handshakes after a secret snub at the toss.
In a rain-interrupted Group B match, India won by 18 runs thanks to Vihaan Malhotra’s four-wicket haul after half-centuries from Vaibhav Suriyavanshi and Abhikyan Kundu.
At the end of the game, the players of both the teams showed their sportsmanship by shaking each other’s hands, which interestingly, India captain Ayush Madre and Bangladesh vice-captain Jawad Abrar did not when it came to the toss.
The handshake snub at the toss led to widespread speculation among cricket fans until the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a clarification, insisting that the incident was “accidental” and instead the result of a “lapse in concentration”.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has observed a careless and unnecessary act in the toss ahead of the opening match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 between Zimbabwe and Namibia, Bangladesh and India,” the cricket board said in a statement.
“Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss and vice-captain Jawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion. BCB wishes to clarify that the non-shaking of hands with the opposing captain was purely accidental and resulted from a momentary lapse of attention.”
The BCB further shared that it immediately instructed the team management to ensure that the spirit of the game is upheld while representing the country and reminded the players of their responsibility to show “mutual respect” to opposing teams.
“The board viewed the matter with due seriousness as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for the opponents is a fundamental prerequisite for representing the Bangladesh team at any level and immediately advised the team management accordingly,” the statement continued.
“The players were also reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposing teams.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board is fully committed to the values of cricket on and off the field.”