Cold war with handshakes continues

Monday, 16 February 2026 02:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Suryakumar Yadav (left) and Salman Ali Agha

The frost between the India and Pakistan teams, which set in during the Asia Cup last September, continued unabated at the T20 World Cup clash at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Suryakumar Yadav walked out for the toss rather seriously, exchanged a few words with those around the pitch, handed over the team sheet, and appeared indifferent to his counterpart Salman Ali Agha.

As the Pakistan Captain had indicated on match eve, the decision lay with the Indian team. Suryakumar did not convey his stance through words but chose not to go ahead with the handshake after Pakistan won the toss and opted to chase. It was obvious that the decision was not Suryakumar’s alone. The diktat came from the top — how high up that ladder remains unclear — but it would not be unreasonable to assume that the directive originated from the Government.