Colombo, Sri Lanka – The question of a handshake before Sunday’s crucial T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan hangs in the balance, with India captain Suryakumar Yadav offering a typically coy response. As both teams prepare to face off at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the focus extends beyond the pitch to a gesture of sportsmanship that has become increasingly fraught with political undertones. The India vs Pakistan matchup is always a highly anticipated event and this year’s contest is no different, carrying added weight as both teams seek to advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
Yadav addressed the media on Saturday, deflecting direct questions about whether he and his team would engage in the customary pre-match handshake with their Pakistani counterparts. “Wait for 24 hours,” he said with a smile, adding, “Why are you speculating now? We have approach here to play cricket, we’ll play good cricket. We will take the call [on handshake] later. Dine well, sleep.” He reiterated his position when pressed for a clearer answer, stating, “I will break the suspense tomorrow. I just said wait for 24 hours, we will play a good game and then after the game… what is important tomorrow? The game is important.” When asked specifically about the possibility of a handshake at the toss, Yadav responded, “We will observe that at the toss.”
A History of Tension
The ambiguity surrounding the handshake stems from a recent history of strained relations between the two teams. During the 2025 Asia Cup, India notably refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan before or after any of their three encounters, including the final, a tournament India ultimately won. This decision followed a period of heightened tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The lack of customary gestures extended to the trophy presentation, with the Indian team reportedly declining to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, according to reports from Times Now News.
Pakistan’s Perspective
Pakistan captain Salman Agha mirrored Yadav’s cautious approach, stating he would see what unfolds on Sunday. “We will see about it tomorrow,” Agha told reporters. However, he emphasized the importance of upholding the spirit of cricket, saying, “Cricket should be played in (right) spirit. My personal opinion may not matter. But cricket should be played according to how it has always been meant to be played. It’s up to them to decide what to do.” Agha’s comments, reported by The Times of India, suggest a willingness to adhere to tradition while acknowledging India’s prerogative.
Focus on the Game
Despite the external noise, both captains stressed the importance of focusing on the game itself. Yadav acknowledged the pressure and nerves inherent in an India-Pakistan contest, stating, “When you play an India-Pakistan game, It’s more about the occasion. It is a platform. You can say what you want, like it’s just another game. But you understand which game you are going to play. And we don’t play them often regularly.” He emphasized the need for a fresh start, adding, “You have to start from zero. What you did in the past, historically, you can’t carry that to the ground because then sometimes it can lead to complacency.”
Yadav also praised Pakistan’s recent performances, noting their wins against the Netherlands and the USA. He acknowledged that Pakistan might have a slight advantage playing all their matches in Colombo, but downplayed its significance, citing India’s own experience playing at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Both India and Pakistan have registered two wins each in the tournament so far, with the winner of Sunday’s match securing a spot in the Super 8 stage. India currently leads the group with 4 points and a net run rate of +3.050, while Pakistan also has 4 points but a net run rate of +0.932.
The upcoming match promises to be a captivating contest, not only for the cricketing world but also for those observing the delicate balance between competition, and sportsmanship. The outcome on the field will undoubtedly be significant, but the pre-match narrative surrounding the handshake adds another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated encounter.
The next update will come following the toss on Sunday, February 15th, when it will become clear whether the two captains will extend a gesture of goodwill before the start of play. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely, hoping for a display of sportsmanship that transcends the intense rivalry between these two cricketing powerhouses.
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