The build-up to the most anticipated match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has taken a sharp turn from cricket to conduct. Former Indian batsman and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has minced no words in his criticism of India’s unofficial but widely practiced ‘India no-handshake policy Pakistan.’ In a powerful statement that has reignited a long-standing debate, Manjrekar labeled the policy as “silly” and declared it was simply “unbecoming of a nation like ours” [[1]].
This controversy is unfolding at a time when the world’s eyes are on Colombo for the upcoming India-Pakistan clash. The tension isn’t just about runs and wickets; it’s now about the very spirit in which the game is played. With Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav recently giving a non-committal response when asked about the handshake, the stage is set for a confrontation that extends beyond the boundary ropes [[1]].
Manjrekar’s core argument is one of principle and national image. He believes that a country of India’s stature, with its rich cricketing history and global influence, should rise above political tensions on the field of play. His use of the phrase “unbecoming of a nation like ours” is a direct appeal to India’s sense of self-respect and its role as a leader in the sport.
He didn’t stop at calling it “silly.” Manjrekar issued a stark ultimatum: if India cannot bring itself to compete in the true spirit of the game, then perhaps it shouldn’t be playing these matches at all. This is a profound challenge to the status quo, suggesting that participation without mutual respect undermines the very essence of international sport. His comments cut to the heart of a dilemma that has plagued this fixture for years.
The roots of this policy can be traced back to the heightened political tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, sporting ties were severely strained. While cricket series have resumed intermittently, a formal diplomatic chill has often translated into on-field protocols.
Over the years, this has manifested in various ways: senior officials avoiding each other at ICC events, teams not sharing practice facilities, and most visibly, the absence of the traditional post-match handshake. It’s an unwritten rule, a silent protest that has become a predictable part of the India-Pakistan cricket narrative. However, as Manjrekar points out, its predictability doesn’t make it any less damaging to the sport’s image.
Facing questions on this sensitive topic, newly appointed captain Suryakumar Yadav chose a path of careful neutrality. He stated that the team would “see what happens on the day” and that their primary focus was on their on-field performance [[1]]. This non-committal stance is typical of players who are caught between their personal beliefs, team management directives, and the immense political weight of the fixture.
Yadav’s response leaves the door open for either outcome. It could be interpreted as a sign that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has not issued a strict directive, leaving the decision to the players’ discretion in the heat of the moment. Or, it could simply be a way to avoid making headlines for the wrong reasons before a crucial match. Either way, the world will be watching his actions at the end of the game far more than his pre-match words.
This debate sits at the uncomfortable intersection of sport and statecraft. On one side is the MCC’s “Spirit of Cricket,” which emphasizes respect for opponents, umpires, and the game itself. The handshake is a simple, universal symbol of this respect—a recognition that, for those few hours, you are competitors, not enemies.
On the other side are the complex and often painful political realities that exist between India and Pakistan. For many citizens and officials, any gesture of warmth towards the Pakistani team is seen as a betrayal of national sentiment, especially in the wake of past tragedies. This puts players in an impossible position, forced to be diplomats as well as athletes.
From a global standpoint, the India-Pakistan handshake issue is an anomaly. In every other major cricketing rivalry—be it Australia vs. England in the Ashes or India vs. Australia—the post-match handshake is a standard, expected courtesy. Even in fiercely contested matches filled with on-field banter, the mutual respect at the end is a given.
Organizations like the ICC actively promote the Spirit of Cricket as a core value of the game. The continued absence of this basic gesture in the sport’s biggest bilateral contest stands in stark contrast to these ideals. Manjrekar’s criticism is shared by many neutral observers who see it as a blemish on an otherwise beautiful game. For a deeper look at the ICC’s code of conduct, visit the [INTERNAL_LINK:icc_spirit_of_cricket_code].
Sanjay Manjrekar’s blunt assessment of the India no-handshake policy Pakistan is a timely and necessary intervention. It forces a conversation that has been avoided for too long. While the political context is undeniable, cricket has always had the power to transcend borders and heal divides, even if only for a fleeting moment. A simple handshake is not a grand political statement; it’s a fundamental act of sportsmanship. As the two teams prepare for their high-voltage clash, they have a choice: to be defined by the politics of the past or to show the world the grace and dignity that makes cricket a gentleman’s game. The entire cricketing world will be watching to see which path they choose.
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