DUBAI, UAE: The ongoing handshake controversy resurfaced on Sunday when India’s U19 cricket captain Ayush Mhatre chose not to offer a handshake to Pakistan’s counterpart, Farhan Yousaf, at the toss for their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 match at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
After a 45-minute rain delay, the two captains stood together for the coin toss but did not interact. Pakistan’s captain, Farhan Yousaf, won the toss and elected to field first, before passing the microphone to Mhatre. However, the customary handshake between the two captains was absent.
This incident recalls a similar controversy from earlier this year during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, where India and Pakistan faced off in Dubai. Throughout the tournament, the Indian and Pakistani captains avoided shaking hands both before and after their matches.
In their group-stage encounter on September 14, Yadav skipped the handshake, and the same occurred again during their Super Four clash on September 21. After India’s win, Yadav and his teammate Shivam Dube walked off the field without acknowledging Pakistan’s players, leaving them waiting for the customary post-match gesture.
This continued refusal to engage in the traditional handshake has sparked debate, particularly in light of the longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket.
