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India U-19 Skips Handshake vs Pakistan After Cup Final Loss
21 Dec, 2025
Summary
- India's U-19 team did not shake hands with Pakistan after the Asia Cup final.
- This gesture follows similar decisions by Indian teams against Pakistan previously.
- The 'no handshake' stance coincides with heightened political tensions between the nations.
The Indian U-19 cricket team, led by Ayush Mhatre, notably abstained from the traditional post-match handshake with Pakistan after suffering a significant 191-run loss in the U-19 Asia Cup 2025 final held in Dubai. This was not an isolated incident, as the team also skipped the gesture during their group stage encounter and even before the toss for the final match.
This recurring action by the Indian U-19 squad aligns with a broader pattern observed across various Indian cricket teams when facing Pakistan. Earlier in 2025, the senior men's team opted out of handshakes in all their Asia Cup meetings, and the Indian women's team adopted a similar approach during the Women's World Cup.
The consistent 'no handshake' policy has emerged during a period of heightened political strain between India and Pakistan, notably following the Pahalgam terror attack. This backdrop of diplomatic tension appears to be influencing sporting interactions between the two nations.
