No handshake between India-Pakistan captains; ‘New practice’ continues in Under-19 World Cup

BULAWAYO: Indian Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre and Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousuf did not exchange the customary handshake ahead of their Super Six clash in the ICC Under-19 World Cup, as the toss was conducted without the traditional pre-match gesture.

The trend began during the 2025 Asia Cup, when Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with the Pakistan captain. Later, in the Asia Cup Rising Stars match, India A and Pakistan Shaheens also avoided the handshake. These incidents reflect how ongoing political tensions between the two countries are increasingly visible in on-field conduct.

In the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to send India in to bat. As this is the final match of the Super Six stage, a win is crucial for both teams to secure a place in the semi-finals. England have already confirmed their semi-final spot from Group Two, leaving India and Pakistan to battle for the remaining berth.

India, who have won all their matches so far, will qualify for the semi-finals with a victory in this game. Pakistan, currently placed third in the points table, must defeat India and also improve their net run rate to advance.

From Group One, Australia and Afghanistan have already qualified for the semi-finals.