An India-Pakistan game is no longer about just the sport, it has greater significance. Particularly after the escalated political tensions between the two countries after the Pahalgam attack in April 2025. The marquee clashes happened many times in cricket since September across age groups and genders, and the common factor has been the 'no handshake' stance adopted by the Indian team and BCCI.
The senior men's Asia Cup and Women's World Cup were the two major instances where the cricketing world were exposed to this 'no handshake' stance, and the reactions were divided on this. Now, the U19 Asia Cup has kicked-off and it is time for another India-Pakistan clash on a Sunday (December 14).
According to sources, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the two teams to shake hands before and after the fixture. However, it remains a formal request and ball is still in BCCI's court. There hasn't been any official statement yet from ICC or BCCI regarding this matter.
However, if a handshake does happen, it could hint at a repeat during the senior men's T20 World Cup in February-March 2026, where India and Pakistan are again in the same group. That fixture will be played a neutral venue in Colombo and hype is already building for the game, given the antics of the Asia Cup between the two teams.
For now, all eyes are on BCCI and the Indian team, and whether they will decide to exchange handshakes with the Pakistan U19 team on Sunday. It won't just be their call either, given the political implications and BCCI are expected to discuss with the Indian government regarding the matter.
