The Indian Under-19 cricket team continued their no-handshake policy against Pakistan during the U19 Asia Cup 2025, even as the International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly urged teams to keep political issues out of junior-level competitions.
According to a PTI report, the ICC had expressed its preference for traditional post-toss and post-match handshakes to take place, stressing that youth tournaments should remain focused purely on sport. However, the Indian team maintained its stance during Sunday’s Group A clash, with captain Ayush Mhatre opting not to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf after the toss.
This approach is not new. Indian teams have previously avoided handshakes with Pakistan across several tournaments, including the senior men’s Asia Cup, the Women’s ODI World Cup, and the Rising Stars Asia Cup T20. The same pattern was seen again in the ongoing U19 Asia Cup.
Sources told PTI that while the players themselves were not directly briefed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had clearly communicated its position to the team management. As per ICC protocol, if a team chooses not to engage in handshakes, the match referee must be informed in advance.
“The boys haven’t been told anything directly. But the BCCI has given clear instructions to the team manager. If handshakes do not take place, the match referee needs to be informed beforehand,” a BCCI official said on condition of anonymity. The official added that the ICC prefers to avoid political overtones in junior cricket, noting that the situation presents challenges both in terms of optics and public sentiment.
On the field, the much-anticipated India U19 vs Pakistan U19 encounter was shortened to 49 overs per side due to rain. Pakistan won the toss, with Farhan Yousaf choosing to bowl first.
India entered the contest with strong momentum after a dominant 234-run victory over the UAE in their opening match on December 12. That game saw a sensational performance from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed 171 runs off just 95 balls, including nine fours and 14 sixes. His explosive innings powered India to a massive 433/6, before the UAE were limited to 199/7.
Pakistan U19 were equally impressive in their first outing, dismantling Malaysia by a staggering 297 runs. Sameer Minhas starred with an unbeaten 177 off 148 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and eight sixes, as Pakistan posted 345/3. Malaysia were then bowled out for just 48, with Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza claiming three wickets apiece.
With both teams coming off emphatic wins, the Group A showdown carried significant competitive weight, even as off-field issues continued to draw attention alongside the cricketing action.
