India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in a thrilling encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo, their superb performance once again underlining their dominance in the showdown between the arch-rivals. On site, it was a clinical demonstration. Off the field, however, the tension was just as palpable.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Long before the first ball has been bowled, attention has turned to India’s ongoing “no handshake” policy, first introduced during the 2025 Asia Cup.
During the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha did not shake hands as is customary, setting the tone for the rest of the match. The absence of traditional gestures reflects the political tensions that increasingly cast a pall on cricketing relations between the two countries.After the final ball, the pattern repeated itself. Pakistan cricketers including Shaheen Shah Afridi as Indian players celebrate their big win Usman Tariq Waiting near the pitch, expecting the usual handshake. Instead, the Indian team walked right up to the dressing room without saying hello — no handshake, no eye contact.The move is to show respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and also to express solidarity with the Indian Army after Operation Sindoor. India, which has qualified for the Super Eights, will take on the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
