"Unbecoming": Sanjay Manjrekar Slams Cold-Shoulder Policy in India vs Pakistan Rivalry

Tension around the latest India vs Pakistan showdown extended beyond the boundary ropes as pre-match scenes drew as much attention as the contest itself during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fixture in Colombo.

At the toss, cameras focused on the center circle moment, and what didn’t happen. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and India skipper Suryakumar Yadav completed the formal coin ceremony but stopped short of the customary handshake. Both players kept interactions strictly procedural, reflecting a pattern that has followed recent India vs Pakistan meetings.

Broadcasters noted the same cold protocol seen in their Asia Cup encounters, where captains from both sides chose to avoid the traditional greeting ritual. The no-contact approach has now carried into another global tournament clash, adding an extra edge to an already high-pressure rivalry.

The moment quickly triggered debate across cricket circles and social media, with former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar publicly criticizing the practice.

“This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all,” he wrote on his X.

Match officials proceeded without interruption, and the toss result, along with confirmed playing XIs and scores posted later, stood unaffected by the sideline controversy. Still, the optics again underlined how India vs Pakistan contests now carry layered narratives beyond runs and wickets.

Tournament organizers have not issued any formal directive regarding pre-match greetings, leaving the decision to team management and players.

With points, pride, and knockout positioning at stake, the spotlight remains fierce whenever India vs Pakistan share a field, and even the smallest gestures are now headline material.