IND vs BAN: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday issued a detailed clarification after a controversy erupted during the U19 World Cup Group B clash between Bangladesh and India in Bulawayo.
The
issue surfaced when cameras captured the coin toss without the customary handshake between the two captains, sparking debate across social media and cricketing circles.
Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar walked out for the toss in place of regular skipper Azizul Hakim, who was reportedly ill and could not make it to the middle. After Bangladesh chose to bowl, both Abrar and India captain Ayush Mhatre proceeded directly to their media interactions instead of greeting each other in the traditional manner. The absence of a handshake immediately drew attention, especially given the tense backdrop of recent India-Bangladesh cricket relations.
BCB Statement on Toss-Related Incident in U19 World Cup Opener
- Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 17, 2026
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action that occurred at the toss prior to the opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe & Namibia, between… pic.twitter.com/st9HbTDcGH
Responding to the criticism, the BCB emphasised that the incident was accidental and not reflective of the team's intentions or values. "The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action that occurred at the toss prior to the opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe & Namibia, between Bangladesh and India. 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 board said in a statement.
Clarifying further, the BCB added: "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. "
The board also noted that the players were immediately reminded of their professional responsibilities. "The Board has viewed the matter with due seriousness. 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 statement said. "The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field. "
This incident marks the first time India and Bangladesh captains have skipped greetings, a sensitive matter given recent tensions. It follows a larger pattern of handshake controversies since the 2025 Men's Asia Cup and arises amid Bangladesh's ongoing dispute with the ICC over its T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India.
