Silly 'no-handshake policy', says Sanjay Manjrekar ahead of India-Pakistan clash

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has described India’s no-handshake policy against Pakistan as “silly” and unbecoming of a major cricketing nation. India has maintained the policy since the Asia Cup 2025, affecting all age groups in both men’s and women’s cricket.

The policy was implemented in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, and the subsequent Operation Sindoor by the Indian Armed Forces. Ahead of the high-profile T20 World Cup 2026 fixture, Manjrekar urged India to either uphold the spirit of the game with a customary handshake or refrain from playing Pakistan altogether.

“This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all,” Manjrekar posted on X.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav, meanwhile, has kept fans guessing on whether he will shake hands with Pakistan players during the toss or after the match, telling reporters, “Wait for 24 hours. We are here to play cricket. Have good food and sleep.”

Pakistan captain Salman Agha has said that the clash should be played in the right spirit and is open to the customary handshake, though the final decision rests with India. “Cricket should be played in the right spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played the way it has always been played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” he stated.

Tensions over the handshake date back to the Asia Cup, when Suryakumar Yadav’s refusal to shake hands angered Pakistan and led to a brief threat of boycott, though the policy continued for subsequent matches. The upcoming T20 World Cup match will test whether India chooses to maintain the stance or returns to traditional cricketing etiquette.