Former Indian cricketer criticises India's no-handshake policy vs Pakistan ahead IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 match

Just a few hours to go before the big India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which Colombo is ready to host on Sunday night (February 15). Ahead of the match, a former Indian cricketer has questioned India's no-handshake policy with the Pakistan cricket team.

Since the Asia Cup T20 2025, the Indian team has been following the no-handshake policy with the Pakistan team in every cricket event. This decision has been taken in protest of the 2025 Pahalgam attack.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjarekar has questioned the Indian cricketers' no-handshake policy with the Pakistan cricket team. He also related it with spirit of the game.

Watch: 'Eat food and...'- Suryakumar Yadav reflects on handshake controversy ahead of IND vs PAK T20 WC 2026

This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing: Sanjay Manjarekar

Manjarekar wrote on his social media post, "This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all."

However, many Indian cricket fans haven't agreed with the former Indian cricketers' views on India's no-handshake policy, as they are defending the national team's decision. 

While India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is always heated on and off the ground, the Pakistan cricket team, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, has criticised India's no handshake policy. 

There are no mandatory handshake rules in the sport, but handshaking is now a common part. However, due to the tense political situation between the two countries or for any other big reasons, sometimes either or both teams decide not to shake hands with their opponents. While most of these off-practice remained in silence, the India-Pakistan rivalry has added to the spirit of the game.

I hope the match will be played in true sportsmanship: Pakistan captain

On the eve of the upcoming India-Pakistan ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said, "I hope the match will be played in true sportsmanship. If the Indian team plans to shake hands, we’ll find that out tomorrow. Definitely, we do not have a good record against the Indians, but we can't change history, and every day is a new day.” With this comment, he indirectly linked India's no-handshake policy to the question of "true sportsmanship."