The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a statement on Saturday clarifying that the lack of a handshake between the captains at the toss during their Under-19 World Cup match against India was entirely unintentional. According to the board, the oversight was merely a "momentary lapse in concentration" and did not carry any underlying message or deliberate intent.
BCB reacts to 'no-handshake' drama at U19 World Cup match
The incident occurred during a leadership shift for the Bangladesh side, as vice-captain Zawad Abrar stepped in to lead the toss in the absence of regular captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim, who was sidelined by illness. When Abrar met Indian captain Ayush Mhatre on the field, the missing handshake was immediately noted by spectators and officials, sparking concerns given the current geopolitical friction between the two Asian nations.
ALSO READ: Chinnaswamy Stadium finally gets green signal to stage IPL and international matches
Absence of handshake with was completely unintentional: BCB
The moment drew inevitable comparisons to a similar incident at the senior level last year, when the captains of India and Pakistan notably bypassed a handshake during the Asia Cup. Despite the recently strained diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh, the BCB remained firm in its stance, reiterating that the lapse was a personal oversight by the young stand-in captain rather than a reflection of political tensions.
"Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion. The BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition," BCB said in a statement.
"The Board has viewed the matter with due seriousness, as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is a fundamental prerequisite for representing Bangladesh at any level and immediately advised the team management accordingly. The players have also been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposing teams. BCB remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field," it added.
ALSO READ: 'Didn't contribute as per the expectations': GT coach's bold take on Shubman Gill's T20 WC snub
Bangladesh bundle out India for 238 despite Sooryavanshi, Kundu's fifties
Talking about the match, resilient half-centuries from opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhinav Kundu powered India to a total of 238. After a shaky start that saw early wickets tumble, the duo stabilised the innings with a vital 62-run partnership. Kundu top-scored with a composed 80, providing the necessary backbone for the team to navigate through difficult periods of play.
The match was particularly historic for Sooryavanshi, who contributed a brisk 72 runs. At just 14 years and 296 days old, he officially became the youngest player in the history of the tournament to record a half-century. Bangladesh's Al Fahad emerged as the standout bowler, dismantling India's batting lineup with a clinical five-wicket haul. His consistent pressure allowed Bangladesh to bowl India out in the 49th over.