The Bangladesh Cricket Board has offered an explanation for the handshake incident that happened in the India vs Bangladesh U-19 World Cup 2026 match. Amid heightened tensions between the two countries, the captains of both teams did not shake hands during the toss, reminding viewers of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board offered an explanation for the incident, calling it unintentional.
BCB statement on handshake dispute
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken cognizance of the inadvertent and unauthorized action that took place in the draw before the opening match of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, Zimbabwe and Namibia between Bangladesh and India.
Regular captain Azizul Hakim could not attend the draw due to illness and the team was represented on the occasion by vice-captain Zawad Abrar. BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposing captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. In no way was it intended to show discourtesy or indifference to the opposition.
The board took the matter with due seriousness as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for the opposition is a prerequisite for representing Bangladesh at any level and immediately informed the team management. Players were also 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 on and off the field.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
January 17, 2026