Ind vs Pak: Will Suryakumar Yadav and Agha break the no-handshake trend today?

Colombo: In one of the most watched cricket fixtures of the year, India and Pakistan are clashing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo today, with live action and off-field drama gripping fans across the subcontinent.

The game itself is highly competitive, both sides are unbeaten in their group matches, but all eyes are also on the lingering handshake controversy that has become one of the key storylines heading into the marquee encounter.

On the field, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha have navigated their teams through Group A with poise. India’s side, led by Yadav, has impressed with aggressive batting and balanced bowling, while Pakistan’s unit has showcased depth through spinners and power hitters.

With both teams vying for top spot and a crucial Super 8 berth on the line, the match remains tense as play unfolds in Colombo.

Off the pitch, however, the no-handshake saga continues to dominate headlines. Reports and multiple sources say India will maintain its “status quo” of not engaging in the traditional pre-match handshake ritual with Pakistan at the toss, continuing a trend that first emerged during the Asia Cup in 2025.

This unusual public breach of cricketing etiquette stems from rising geopolitical and cricketing tensions between the two nations.

The refusal to shake hands became symbolic after India’s decision not to acknowledge Pakistan teams in several high-profile tournaments — including the Asia Cup final, where the Indian team also declined to accept the trophy from a Pakistani official.

Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, has repeatedly emphasised that his side remains open to the spirit of the game and that the decision to shake hands is ultimately up to India’s players. He has stated that cricket should be played with respect and tradition, while leaving the gesture to India’s discretion.

Meanwhile, commentary from former India players and analysts reflects contrasting views on the saga. Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar described India’s no-handshake policy as “silly” and “unbecoming,” arguing that such behaviour contradicts the values and spirit of cricket.

The handshake debate isn’t isolated to men’s cricket: similar incidents have been reported in age-group and women’s matches between India and Pakistan, indicating a broader trend that has stirred fans, pundits, and administrators alike.

With the iconic rivalry set on a neutral stage in Sri Lanka and millions watching internationally, this World Cup match represents far more than a sporting contest. It stands as a reflection of strained bilateral relations, the growing influence of politics in sport, and the enduring popularity of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.

As the game progresses, the cricketing world watches not just for runs and wickets, but for whether the gesture of sportsmanship, the simple handshake, will make a return or remain a casualty of deeply rooted tensions.