India and Bangladesh found themselves in an uncomfortable situation during the pre-match formalities ahead of their ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 clash in Bulawayo.
India Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh’s stand-in captain Zawad Abrar shared a cold exchange at the toss on Saturday, January 17, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
India and Bangladesh captains skip handshake ahead of their ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 clash
Bangladesh’s regular skipper, Md Azizul Hakim Tamim, was not available due to illness, which gave the opportunity to vice-captain Abrar to lead the charge in the crucial ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 match.
When Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bowl first, the scene left many surprised. The two captains stood close to each other, yet there was no handshake, no greeting, and no acknowledgement. Abrar walked past Mhatre without any interaction.
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Both Abrar and Mhatre avoided even looking at one another at the toss, showing the volume of India-Bangladesh tension. The awkwardness continued moments later during the national anthem.
Actually, India U19 and Bangladesh U19 players gathered near the boundary rope and then walked onto the field, but no handshakes were exchanged, and both sides avoided interaction.
To be continued…