Big relief! Bangladesh, India players shake hands after toss fiasco in U19 World Cup clash

Bangladesh and India U19 players shook hands after the match ended [Source: @cricketangon/X]

After the seventh ODI of the U19 World Cup 2026 concluded, India and Bangladesh finally put all rumours to rest as both teams greeted each other with the customary post-match handshake. It eased tensions between the two camps that had surfaced due to ongoing geopolitical issues as well as the T20 World Cup 2026 controversy.

The post-match handshake came as a relief for fans after the leaders of the two teams, Ayush Mhatre and Zawad Abrar, did not shake hands at the toss, an incident that quickly fuelled speculation on social media.

Bangladesh U19 and India U19 players shake hands after the match

Many online discussions suggested that Bangladesh had intentionally carried the ongoing BCB versus ICC and BCCI controversy into the Under-19 World Cup as well.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board soon clarified that vice-captain Zawad Abrar not shaking hands with Ayush Mhatre was completely unintentional and was not meant as a sign of disrespect.

BCB clarifies reason for ‘no handshake’

The board explained that Zawad had simply forgotten the customary handshake while standing in for regular captain Azizul Hakim.

“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 players have also been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposing teams. The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field,” the statement from Bangladesh Cricket Board said.

Nevertheless, the initial lack of a handshake at the toss led to widespread chatter, drawing comparisons to the Pakistan versus India scenario during the Asia Cup 2025.

Despite the early tension, the two teams lined up for handshakes at the end of the match after India sealed a dramatic victory in Bulawayo, where they defeated Bangladesh by 18 runs in a rain-affected contest.

India sealed a dramatic victory at Bulawayo

India posted a total of 238 in 48.4 overs, powered by Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 72 and an 80-run knock from Abhigyan Kundu. Bangladesh appeared to be in control of the chase during the rain-affected second innings.

However, India scripted a remarkable turnaround led by Vihaan Malhotra, who produced a magnificent spell by claiming four wickets in his four overs to derail Bangladesh’s chase and seal the win for India.

Although Azizul Hakim fought hard with a valiant 51 and Rifat Beg added 37 runs, it proved insufficient as Bangladesh lost wickets rapidly in the middle order, triggering a collapse from which they could not recover.

Nevertheless, this marked India’s second consecutive victory, keeping them at the top of the Group B points table. After wins against the USA Under-19 and Bangladesh Under-19, India will next face New Zealand to conclude their group-stage fixtures.