Tension Visible on Field as India, Bangladesh U-19 Captains Skip Handshake at World Cup Toss

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | January 17, 2026 Diplomatic strain between India and Bangladesh was clearly visible on the cricket field during the Under-19 World Cup Group B match on Saturday at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The moment that drew attention came at the toss, when Indian captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh skipper Md Azizul Hakim Tamim avoided the customary handshake, reflecting the growing tension between the two neighbouring nations. After winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Tamim chose to bowl first. As the decision was announced, Mhatre stepped back instead of moving forward for a handshake, while Tamim also walked away to speak with the broadcaster. The two captains avoided eye contact and went their separate ways, making the absence of the usual sportsmanlike gesture clearly noticeable. The lack of interaction continued even during the national anthems, with players from both sides maintaining distance. On the field, Indian opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi was seen exchanging words with Bangladesh players, who appeared to be trying to distract him early in the innings, adding to the charged atmosphere of the match. The on-field tension mirrors the strained relations off the field. Bangladesh has reportedly refused to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting February 7 and has requested the ICC to shift its matches to Sri Lanka. Relations further worsened after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad amid reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Similar no-handshake scenes were seen earlier in India-Pakistan matches, suggesting that political tensions are increasingly spilling over into international cricket. No Handshake at Toss as India-Bangladesh Tension Reaches U-19 World Cup Political and diplomatic strain between India and Bangladesh became visible on the cricket field during their Under-19 World Cup Group B match in Bulawayo on Saturday. Indian captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh skipper Md Azizul Hakim Tamim skipped the traditional handshake after the toss, drawing attention even before the match began. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first, but instead of exchanging greetings, both captains walked away without acknowledging each other. They avoided eye contact and went straight to their respective duties, signaling that the tension between the two countries had spilled into the sporting arena. The distance between the two sides continued during the national anthems, with no interaction seen between players. On the field, Indian opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi was also involved in brief exchanges with Bangladesh players, adding to the charged mood of the contest. The incident comes amid rising tensions off the field as well. Bangladesh has reportedly declined to tour India for the upcoming T20 World Cup and has asked the ICC to move its matches to Sri Lanka. Similar no-handshake scenes have been seen earlier in India-Pakistan matches, showing how political issues are increasingly affecting international cricket.