India vs Pakistan - (Source: X.com)On Sunday, February 1, two heavyweights, India and Pakistan, locked horns in the Super Six stage of the Under-19 World Cup 2026. The two neighbouring countries met at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.At the toss, Pakistan captain won the coin flip and invited Ayush Mhatre-led side to bat first. As expected, amid the high geopolitical tensions between the two nations, both captains refused a handshake during the toss.Why did India and Pakistan not greet each other at the toss?The issue dates back to April 2025, when a Pakistan-backed terror group killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir. It led to a huge uproar, and the Indian army retaliated with precise air strikes at terror camps in Pakistan. Eventually, India banned entertainment, cricket and even social media handles of the neighbouring country. The tensions were at an all-time high, and the two nations were on the verge of a war before the ceasefire was announced. Eventually, India and Pakistan locked horns in the Asia Cup 2025, where Gautam Gambhir and his men decided to honour the Indian army’s effort and refused shaking hands with Salman Agha and his men.It led to a huge uproar, and questions were raised about mixing sports with politics. Despite the off-field debate, India maintained the tradition throughout, and the two teams met thrice in a span of a week and did not greet each other.The same instance occurred for India-Pakistan matches across formats and genders. Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 also saw the same, and now Ayush Mhatre and his side are also respecting the tradition started by the senior team.It is the second time that the Under-19 team has refused a handshake as the two teams also squared off recently during Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 final, where they avoided each other during the coin-flip.India in driver’s seat against PakistanTalking about the ongoing ODI Under-19 World Cup 2026, India have already put a foot in the semi-final stage, and Pakistan need a miracle to reach the last four. The Ayush Mhatre-led side are placed second in the group with three wins in three matches. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered a defeat against England and are placed third.The Boys in Green not only need a win against India, but they also have to win with a great margin to upset India and reach the last four alongside India.Talking about the ongoing match, India have made one change to their playing XI as Deepesh Devendrai has returned to the playing XI. Further, India, batting first, India have got off to a perfect start and put 33 runs on the board without losing a wicket.It is also a crucial game for India because with a win, they can end up as the table-toppers and then can face Afghanistan in the semi-finals. If India finish second, they will have to face Australia.
.jpg?type=mq "Vaibhav Suryavanshi's India asked to bat as Pakistan opt to bowl in under-19 World Cup 2026")