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Ayush Mhatre defies ICC's request; maintains 'No-Handshake' policy in IND vs PAK U19 Asia Cup

Sakshi Sharma

India U19 vs Pakistan U19 (Source:@ sohailimrangeo,x.com)India U19 vs Pakistan U19 (Source:@ sohailimrangeo,x.com)

In a significant development, the India U19 team maintained 'no-handshake policy' against Pakistan U19 during their ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash in Dubai on Sunday. Earlier, it was reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) wanted to keep politics out of the junior tournament.

A report by PTI revealed that the ICC had urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow handshakes between the two teams. However, the BCCI reportedly ignored the request, instructing India’s team management to continue the policy.

"The boys haven't been told anything. But obviously BCCI has given explicit instructions to its manager Anand Datar. Now if Indian boys don't shake hands with Pakistan team then match referee will have to be informed in advance. We know for a fact that ICC doesn't want politics to take front seat when it comes to junior cricket. So it is a case of both bad optics and public sentiment," a BCCI official in the know of things told PTI.

'No-Handshake' Policy in IND vs PAK U19 Asia Cup

During the toss on Sunday, India captain Ayush Mhatre did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Yousaf handed over the microphone to Mhatre without making eye contact and returned straight to the dugout.

The match was delayed by rain, with the toss taking place nearly half an hour later than scheduled. As a result, the contest was reduced to 49 overs per side.

It is important to mention that this practice began in September during the Asia Cup. The no-handshake policy was also observed in previous matches between India and Pakistan in the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Rising Stars Asia Cup T20 tournament. 

The policy was originally introduced as a mark of solidarity with the Indian Army and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

India U19 came into the match on the back of a massive 234-run win over the UAE in their opening Group A fixture on December 12. Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi starred with a blistering 171 off 95 balls. 

However, in the match against Pakistan, Suryavanshi failed to recreate his UAE heroics, departing for just five runs.