Bangladesh claim no handshake in U-19 WC match unintentional
At toss in Bulawayo, India skipper Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar didn't engage in a customary handshake after a delayed start due to rain.
New Delhi: Bangladesh have claimed that a "momentary lapse" led to abstinence from handshake in their U-19 World Cup group stage match against India at a time when bilateral tensions are at an all-time high.
At toss in Bulawayo, India skipper Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar didn’t engage in a customary handshake after a delayed start due to rain.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement later that it has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action but maintained "the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration.
"There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition. Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion,” it added.
"The BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition.
"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."
BCB said players been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposition.
"The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field."
India and Pakistan have embraced a no handshake policy in last year's Asia Cup following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam massacre and the ensuing Operation Sindoor of the Indian Armed Forces.
Tensions
India and Bangladesh’s relations have hit a rough patch due to political and religious tensions that has spilled onto cricket as well after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman.
Bangladesh then cited security concerns to request relocation of their upcoming T20 World Cup matches from Kolkata and Mumbai to the ICC.
ICC insist there is nothing to worry but BCB remain adamant of venue shift to Sri Lanka.