BCB clarifies 'no-handshake' incident at U19 World Cup was unintentional

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stated on Saturday that the absence of a handshake between captains at the toss during the Under-19 World Cup match against India was unintentional, attributing it to a momentary lapse in concentration.

With regular captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim sidelined due to illness, vice-captain Zawad Abrar stood in at the toss, while Ayush Mhatre led India. The lack of a handshake before play fueled speculation amid currently tense relations between the two nations.

A similar incident occurred at the senior level last year when India and Pakistan captains did not shake hands at the toss during the Asia Cup. While diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained recently, the BCB emphasized the incident was not intentional.

In a statement, the BCB said: "Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team. The absence of a handshake was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition."

The Board added: "We have viewed the matter with due seriousness, as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is fundamental. The team management has been advised accordingly, and players have been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and mutual respect."

"BCB remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field," the statement concluded.