With regular captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim ruled out due to illness, vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented Bangladesh in the toss. India were led by Ayush Mhatre in the absence of their regular skipper. The lack of a handshake between the two alternate captains was noticeable and quickly became a talking point, especially amid the currently strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later clarified that the incident was not intentional and rejected suggestions of any deliberate censure. According to the board, this moment was purely coincidental.
“Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on this occasion. The BCB would like to clarify that the lack of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and was a result of a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intention whatsoever to show rudeness or contempt towards the opposition,” BCB said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“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 has 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 opponents. BCB remains fully committed to the values of cricket both on and off the field,” it added.
A similar situation occurred at the senior level last year when the captains of India and Pakistan did not shake hands at the toss during the Asia Cup. Recently, the BCCI requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, while the BCB reiterated that it does not want its team to play T20 World Cup matches in India.
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