‘You will see in 24 hours’: Surya on on customary handshake with Pakistan players in T20 world cup

By CNBCTV18.com February 14, 2026, 9:54:44 PM IST (Published)

The build-up to Sunday’s T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan has extended beyond cricket, with uncertainty lingering over whether the two teams will resume the customary pre- or post-match handshake.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha both chose to remain noncommittal when asked about the gesture during separate media interactions on Saturday. “Wait for 24 hours,” said Suryakumar Yadav with a grin.

When asked about handshake, Surya, in his inimitable style with a toothy grin, “Now wait for 24 hours for that. Why put so much focus on that? We have come to play cricket. We will play good cricket. We will take all those calls later tomorrow. Wait for it. Eat well and go to sleep.” “We will see about it tomorrow,” Agha gave a cryptic response about the possibility of a handshake in the pre-match press conference here on Saturday.

However, Agha was clear in his view that the ‘Spirit of the Game’ should be upheld under any circumstances.

“Cricket should be played in (right) spirit. My personal opinion may not matter. But cricket should be played according to how it has always been meant to be played. It’s up to them to decide what to do,” Agha added.

However, it has learned that general mood in the Indian camp ahead of Sunday’s game at the Premadasa too has been more thoughtful than bullish, leaving the decision-making to the higher officials and go by their call.

However when it comes to Indian team, there is general wariness about public sentiment on social media which could be extreme as the emotions in the aftermath of Pahalgam attack is still raw.

Bulbul to watch Indo-Pak match, meet BCCI officials

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam Bulbul had said that he would be in Colombo to watch the India-Pakistan match where he is expected to break ice with the BCCI after tense exchanges over the past few weeks.

From India, BCCI president Mithun Manhas, secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla are expected to be in attendance.

Speaking to the Bangladesh newspaper ‘Pratham Alo’, Islam said the invitation for the high-profile game has come from the ICC.

“The ICC has taken a decision. The major stakeholders of the ICC are these five Asian countries and for the India-Pakistan World Cup match on the 15th, they want representatives of all five Asian countries to be present at the ground together, watch the match together and talk to one another,” Islam had remarked.

(With PTI inputs)