Amid the controversy over the captains of India and Bangladesh U-19 cricket teams not shaking hands during the toss time at the ongoing junior World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has sought to play down the issue by claiming that it was “unintentional” and happened due to a “momentary lapse in concentration”.
India captain Ayush Mhatra was present at the toss while Bangladesh were represented by their vice-captain Zawad Abrar instead of regular skipper Azizul Hakim, who BCB say was unable to attend due to an illness.
“There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition,” the BCB said in the statement issued in Dhaka.
BCB though says it has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted
action that occurred at the toss.
“Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion. The BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition,” read the statement.
“The Board has viewed the matter with due seriousness, as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is a fundamental prerequisite for representing Bangladesh at any level and immediately advised the team management accordingly,” it added.
BCB says the players have also been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposing teams.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field.”
The political and cricketing relation between India and Bangladesh have taken a massive hit in recent times. Several anti-Bangladesh rallies have been held in various parts of India, protesting against the reported persecution of minorities in the neighbouring country recently.
The cricketing ties too have been heavily impacted after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their roster ahead of the IPL 2026.
Bangladesh then requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their team’s upcoming T20 World Cup matches from Kolkata and Mumbai, citing potential security risks to the players, officials and fans.
