ICC urges India and Pakistan U-19 teams to end handshake stand-off

India and Pakistan continue to dominate cricketing headlines, and a fresh controversy may soon take centre stage. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly asked players from both nations to set aside political tensions and participate in the customary post-match handshake during their upcoming clash at the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025. The two teams are scheduled to meet on December 14 in Dubai, with the India U-19 squad led by captain Ayush Mhatre.

The so-called ‘handshake saga’ became one of the most discussed storylines of the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, overshadowing the performances on the field. Throughout the tournament, where India defeated Pakistan thrice on their way to lifting the title, the BCCI had instructed its players not to shake hands with members of the Pakistani team. The directive was a symbolic gesture protesting the Pahalgam terror attack that took place in May 2025.

However, ahead of the U-19 Asia Cup, the ICC has intervened. The global cricket body has urged the BCCI to drop any such plan and ensure that players maintain normal protocol to preserve the spirit of the game.

“The boys haven’t been told anything. But obviously BCCI has given explicit instructions to its manager Anand Datar. Now if Indian boys don’t shake hands with the Pakistan team then the match referee will have to be informed in advance. We know for a fact that ICC doesn’t want politics to take front seat when it comes to junior cricket. So it is a case of both bad optics and public sentiment,” a BCCI official said.

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This controversy first gained traction when India informed match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup group stage that they would not be engaging in handshakes with the Pakistani players. The same stance resurfaced during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup, prompting the ICC to step in and put an end to the recurring drama.

For now, the final decision rests with the BCCI. India U-19 manager Anand Datar and head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar have been tasked with taking a call ahead of the match. Meanwhile, the Under-19 Asia Cup is set to begin on December 12, with the India-Pakistan fixture already generating significant attention.