The India vs Bangladesh clash is still underway in the ongoing U-19 Men’s World Cup on Saturday in Zimbabwe. However, at the start of the game, a controversial incident took place at the toss when representatives from both teams were seen avoiding the customary handshake.
Interestingly, India’s regular captain Ayush Mhatre was present, but for Bangladesh, vice-captain Zawad Abrar attended the toss instead of regular skipper Azizul Hakim. Considering the ongoing political tensions between the two countries, the incident sparked debate on social media.
Now, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has come up with an official statement on the toss-related incident. It clarified that due to illness, captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss and hence his deputy was sent. The board also stated that the absence of a handshake was completely unintentional and there was no intent to show disrespect towards India’s captain.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action that occurred at the toss prior to the opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe & Namibia, between Bangladesh and India.”
“Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion. 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 statement read.
BCB also informed that the players have been reminded of “their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship”.
“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 statement added. “The Bangladesh Cricket Board remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field.”
Talking about the game, in a rain-curtailed 49-over match, India were asked to bat first and scored 238 in 48.4 overs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (72 off 67) and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu (80 off 112) stood tall for India, while Al Fahad starred for Bangladesh with a five-wicket haul.
In reply, Bangladesh were 90/2 in 17.2 overs when play was delayed due to a wet outfield. Bangladesh still need 149 runs in 31.4 overs.
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