India and Pakistan will clash in a high-voltage match in Group A of the 2026 T20 World Cup in Colombo on Sunday. But before the first ball is bowled, there is already a big question in the air.
Will the players shake hands?
Since the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai, cricketers from both sides have avoided handshakes before or after the match. The pause came after the Pahalgam massacre and Operation Sindoor, which led to strong public emotions and strained ties.
When asked about it, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not give a direct answer. He made it clear that the focus is only on cricket for now.
“Now wait for 24 hours for that. Why pay so much attention to that? We have come to play cricket. We will play good cricket. We will answer all those calls later tomorrow. Wait for it. Eat well and go to sleep.”
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also avoided giving a straight answer. He kept it short and simple.
“We’ll see tomorrow.”
However, Agha shared his views on how the game should be played.
“Cricket should be played in the (right) spirit. My personal opinion may not matter. But cricket should be played the way it was always meant to be played. It is up to them to decide what to do.”
There is reportedly a cautious mood within the Indian camp. Emotions are still raw after the Pahalgam attack. There are concerns about strong reactions on social media if a gesture is misunderstood.
Meanwhile, cricket officials will also be keeping a close eye.
Bangladesh Chief Executive Aminul Islam Bulbul will be present in Colombo. His visit comes at a time when there have been recent tensions with the BCCI. Top officials of the Indian board will also attend the match.
The ICC has invited representatives from all five Asian boards to sit together during the match and have on-the-spot discussions.
“The ICC has made a decision. The main stakeholders of the ICC are these five Asian countries and for the World Cup match between India and Pakistan on the 15th, they want representatives of all five Asian countries to be on the field together, watch the match together and talk to each other.”
On the field, it will be a new chapter in one of cricket’s greatest rivalries. Off the field, even a simple handshake can send a powerful message.
For now, both teams choose to remain quiet. The answer may not come until the match starts in Colombo.
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