India vs Pakistan U-19 Handshake Refusal Overshadows Asia Cup Clash

Politics Overshadow Protocol in High-Profile U-19 Clash

The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan encounter at the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai carried significance far beyond cricket. Even before the opening delivery at the ICC Academy, attention centered on whether the two teams would follow traditional on-field courtesies. Once again, geopolitics took precedence as the Indian team continued its policy of avoiding handshakes with Pakistan. So let’s know about India vs Pakistan U-19 handshake refusal.

Despite recommendations from the International Cricket Council (ICC) urging both sides to observe standard sporting protocol, India adhered strictly to its existing stance, setting the tone for an emotionally charged contest.

BCCI Holds Firm Despite ICC’s Call for Neutrality

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained its no-handshake directive since earlier this year, a policy first seen during the senior men’s Asia Cup. The move was widely viewed as a symbolic gesture tied to national sentiment following the Pahalgam terror incident.

That approach has since carried over across formats — including women’s internationals and youth tournaments. Ahead of the U-19 Asia Cup fixture, the ICC reportedly encouraged both boards to keep politics out of junior cricket. However, Indian team management was instructed to follow BCCI protocol, leaving little room for deviation.

A BCCI official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the optics of the situation but confirmed that board instructions took priority over external advisories.

Group A Heavyweights Collide Amid Tense Atmosphere

Both teams entered the match brimming with confidence after crushing victories in their opening games. India had dismantled the UAE, while Pakistan posted an emphatic win over Malaysia. India’s young squad, led by Ayush Mhatre, was already in the spotlight after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s sensational 171 in the tournament opener.

However, the much-hyped batter failed to fire against Pakistan, falling early for just five runs. The early breakthrough briefly energized Pakistan, but the momentum did not last.

India Recover to Post Competitive Total

After losing early wickets, India showed composure and resilience. Aaron George played a crucial anchoring role with a well-crafted 85, stabilizing the innings. Kanishk Chouhan added valuable runs in the middle order, helping India recover and post a fighting total of 240 in the rain-adjusted 49-over contest.

Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam, struck at regular intervals, but India’s depth ensured a defendable score on a challenging surface.

Bowlers Seal Commanding Win for India

Pakistan’s chase unraveled almost immediately. Deepesh Devendran spearheaded India’s bowling attack, ripping through the top order and leaving Pakistan struggling at 30 for 4. Huzaifa Ahsan attempted a fightback with a gritty 70, but received little support from the other end.

India’s disciplined bowling effort ensured Pakistan were bowled out for 150, sealing a comprehensive 90-run victory and underlining their dominance in the group.

Familiar No-Handshake Scene Returns Post-Match

The cricket concluded emphatically, but the post-match visuals drew just as much attention. As at the toss, Indian players refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the game, reinforcing the continuation of the policy at the junior level.

Indian captain Ayush Mhatre was seen deliberately avoiding the customary exchange, mirroring scenes from recent senior and women’s tournaments.

ICC Faces Growing Governance Challenge

The Dubai encounter once again highlighted the ICC’s delicate balancing act — protecting the spirit of cricket while navigating sensitive geopolitical realities. While the governing body continues to advocate neutrality, incidents like the U-19 Asia Cup clash demonstrate how deeply politics can influence even age-group competitions.

As India marched on with another convincing win, the no-handshake episode served as a reminder that cricket’s fiercest rivalry remains intertwined with broader national narratives — creating challenges that extend well beyond the boundary rope.

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