“There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition,” the BCB said in the statement issued in Dhaka. ((Star Sports Screenshot))
After the ritual of ‘no-handshakes’ between India and Pakistan players during their recent clashes, a similar scenario played out at the ICC U-19 World Cup when the Indian and Bangladesh captains failed to adhere to the custom before their match in group fixture in Bulawayo on Saturday.
The recent tension in bilateral relations between India and its eastern neighbour seemingly spilled onto the field when Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar kept their hands to themselves at the toss.
However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) soon stepped in to term it “unintentional” and the result of a “momentary lack of concentration.”
Both sets of players were seen shaking hands after the hard-fought match got over.
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“There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition,” the BCB said in the statement issued in Dhaka.
“Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion.”
The BCB has apprised the players what is expected of them as per the spirit of the game, the statement indicated.
“The Board has viewed the matter with due seriousness, as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is a fundamental prerequisite for representing Bangladesh at any level and immediately advised the team management accordingly.”
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field.”
The scenes at the toss were seen in context of perceived anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India, after reports of persecution of minorities in the neighbouring country of late. It led to the BCCI instructing Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, whom they had acquired in the IPL auction.
Subsequently, Bangladesh has requested the ICC to relocate its upcoming T20 World Cup matches outside India, citing potential security risks to its players, officials and fans. Discussions in this regard are currently underway.
A no-handshake policy was implemented when India and Pakistan faced each other three times at last year’s Asia Cup just months after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
The scenario was repeated at the Women’s ODI World Cup, Rising Stars Asia Cup and the Under-19 Asia Cup.
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