NAM vs Oman and IND vs PAK (Source:X)
The long-standing handshake controversy between India and Pakistan has once again returned to the spotlight, with social media erupting after the ICC shared a post that highlighted sportsmanship during the Zimbabwe vs Oman match at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The ICC posted a picture of players from Zimbabwe and Oman shaking hands after their match, captioning it: “Competitive on the field, respectful off the field.”
While the post was meant to highlight the spirit of cricket, it quickly turned into a flashpoint for fans, especially from Pakistan, who used the moment to take an indirect dig at India and the BCCI.
Within minutes, the comment section was flooded with reactions, many targeting the Indian team and the BCCI for the ongoing refusal to engage in post-match handshakes with Pakistan.
ICC post sparks fresh debate amid IND-PAK tensions
The handshake issue traces back to the 2025 Asia Cup, when India and Pakistan skipped the customary handshake following their match in Dubai.
The Indian team had reportedly taken the decision as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 and in support of the Indian armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor.
Since then, the no-handshake protocol has continued across multiple tournaments, including women's matches and junior-level events. The BCCI has maintained that handshakes are a goodwill gesture and not mandatory under ICC rules.
However, PCB and fans have repeatedly raised objections, calling the move against the spirit of the game.
Fans use ZIM vs Oman match to target BCCI
The ICC's post after Match 8 between Zimbabwe and Oman gave fresh fuel to the debate. Pakistan fans began sharing the post widely on X (formerly Twitter), with captions like "BCCI have some shame", "This is called sportsmanship" and "One nation refuse to handshake 🤝"
Several users accused India of politicising cricket, while others even tagged the ICC, demanding consistent standards for all teams.
Handshake controversy adds new layer to rivalry
The renewed backlash comes at a sensitive time, as PCB recently withdrew its boycott of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The PCB reportedly reversed its decision after pressure from the ICC and fears of penalties.
As part of negotiations, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly raised the handshake issue as one of the key concerns, stressing the importance of maintaining cricketing traditions and mutual respect on the field.
The other issue PCB raised during the meeting was an increase in ICC's annual funding. The second demand that they placed in front of the global body was the revival of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, which has been stopped for years due to political tensions.
With the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash now back on the schedule, the handshake controversy is likely to remain a talking point. Whether the teams will shake hands or stick to their positions remains to be seen on February 15.
