Manjrekar Slams India’s “No-Handshake” Policy Ahead of T20 World Cup Blockbuster

As the countdown begins for the high-voltage India vs. Pakistan clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026, former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has stirred the pot by publicly criticizing the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands with their rivals.

Labeling the stance as “silly” and “unbecoming of a nation like ours,” Manjrekar’s comments highlight a deep-seated diplomatic divide that has now firmly entrenched itself on the cricket field.

The “No-Handshake” Protocol: Why Now?

The refusal to exchange customary pre- and post-match greetings is not a new development for this fixture. The policy was first adopted during the Asia Cup 2025 following a series of geopolitical escalations:

• The Triggers: Hostilities worsened following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir and India’s subsequent military response, Operation Sindoor.
• Solidarity Stance: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and the team management adopted the policy as a mark of respect for fallen soldiers and to show solidarity with the Indian Army.
• Consistency: This “cold war” on the pitch has extended across all levels, with India’s Women’s team, India A, and U-19 squads also following the protocol in matches against Pakistan over the last year.

Captains Maintain the Suspense

During the pre-match press conferences in Colombo, both captains remained vague about whether the “ice” would break at the coin toss.

“You will see in 24 hours. Wait for 24 hours. Eat well, sleep well, we will see tomorrow.” — Suryakumar Yadav, Indian Captain+1

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha took a more passive stance, stating that his team would respond based on India’s lead, adding, “The game should be played in real spirit… the rest is up to them.”

The Pakistan Boycott U-Turn

The match itself almost didn’t happen. Earlier this month, the Pakistan Government announced a total boycott of the fixture in solidarity with Bangladesh, who had been ousted from the tournament for refusing to travel to India.

However, following a “360-degree U-turn” on February 10, Pakistan confirmed they would play after the ICC assured that no sanctions would be placed on Bangladesh and provided future tournament concessions.

Pre-Match Buzz: Hanumankind to Perform

Despite the tension, the ICC is treating the match as a major spectacle:

• Opening Ceremony: Global breakout rapper Hanumankind is set to perform at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
• Controversy: Reports suggest the ceremony will include the track “Dhurandhar,” which is currently banned in Pakistan, potentially adding another layer of friction to the evening.

Match Info: At a Glance