Suryakumar Yadav avoids shaking hands with Pakistan captain

17-Feb-2026

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India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not exchange the customary handshake with his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha at the toss of their T20 World Cup clash in Colombo on February 15, continuing a protocol that has been in place since the Asia Cup in Dubai last year.

India have followed this position since the Asia Cup 2025, extending it across age-group tournaments as well as men's and women's cricket. Players from the two sides have not shaken hands since last year's Asia Cup in Dubai, staged in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre and the subsequent Operation Sindoor conducted by the Indian Armed Forces.

"(Do you mind batting first?) Not at all. We were looking to bat first. We've seen the results here, and we've batted in the last two games and won both the games defending, so we don't want to change anything. 

(On the big occasion) I think it's easy to say that it's just another game, but it is an occasion. These games are always very high stakes, but at the same time, you've got to know what you want to do. That's more important. Stay in the present, back your skills, put your A game forward and be yourself. (Does form count?) This sport teaches you a lot of things. On a given day, if you're going well, then anyone can have a good day. Two changes. Abhishek Sharma comes in and Kuldeep Yadav comes in for Arshdeep Singh," India captain Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss.