Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has described India’s no-handshake policy against Pakistan as “silly”, saying it is unbecoming of a major cricketing nation to engage in such antics. India have maintained a no-handshake policy against Pakistan since the Asia Cup 2025 across all age groups in both men’s and women’s cricket.
The move came in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, and the subsequent Operation Sindoor conducted by the Indian Armed Forces. Ahead of the upcoming fixture between the two teams in the T20 World Cup 2026, Manjrekar has urged India to uphold the spirit of the game by engaging in the customary handshake, or else to refrain from playing Pakistan altogether.
“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,” wrote Manjrekar on his X account.
Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has kept suspense over whether he will shake hands with Pakistan players at the toss or after the T20 World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday, speaking at the pre-match press conference.
