The cricketing world is preparing for a key moment as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reaches a crucial clash: India vs. Pakistan. This match, the 27th in Group A at the updated Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, goes beyond just earning points; it represents a contest influenced by history and current diplomatic tensions.
Salman Ali Agha addresses handshake controversy before India vs. Pakistan game
During a recent press conference, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha faced intense media scrutiny regarding the rumored “no handshake” policy. When asked about it, Agha maintained his composure, offering a vague response.
“We will see about it tomorrow,” he stated, neither confirming nor denying whether the traditional handshake would happen.
Despite the uncertainty, Agha stressed the importance of upholding the spirit of cricket, saying it should rise above political disputes. “Cricket should be played in the right spirit. My personal opinion may not matter, but cricket should be played according to how it has always been meant to be played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” he remarked, subtly pointing to the Indian camp and match officials.
The handshake issue in India-Pakistan match
This tension stems from an incident involving match referee Andy Pycroft, who allegedly intervened during a previous toss to prevent the customary handshake between captains. Reports from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicate that this led to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi formally requesting Pycroft’s removal from the tournament.
The PCB claims that Pycroft informed Agha about Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav not participating in the handshake, which caused a standoff. Pakistan briefly threatened to boycott the tournament and arrived an hour late for a game against the UAE as protest.
The situation escalated during a recent award ceremony when India reportedly refused to go on stage to collect trophies while Naqvi was present. In response, the PCB chief had the trophy removed from the stage. The Indian team celebrated on the podium only after officials had left the area, highlighting the existing tensions between the two nations.
As the 27th match of Group A approaches, both teams are under watch, not just for their performance but also for their reactions and interactions on the field.
