India Maintain No-Handshake Policy Against Pakistan in U19 Asia Cup

The Indian Under-19 cricket team continued its ‘no-handshake’ policy against Pakistan during the U19 Asia Cup 2025, despite reports of a request from the International Cricket Council to allow the customary gesture. According to a PTI report, the ICC wanted politics to be kept away from junior cricket, but India stuck to its long-standing stance, which has also been followed in previous senior and women’s tournaments.

The policy was evident during the Group A match on Sunday when India captain Ayush Mhatre did not shake hands with Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf after the toss. Reports stated that if teams choose not to exchange handshakes, match officials should be informed in advance. BCCI sources indicated that the ICC prefers to avoid political optics in age-group competitions.

The high-profile clash was reduced to 49 overs per side due to rain. India entered the contest with confidence after a massive win over the UAE in their opening match. While the focus remained on the cricketing action, the no-handshake moment once again drew attention during the India–Pakistan encounter.