IND vs PAK T20 World Cup Build-Up Heats Up After Sanjay Manjrekar’s Controversial Handshake Remarks

With the IND vs PAK T20 World Cup clash in Colombo just hours away, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked fresh debate by strongly criticising India's continued refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players.

Manjrekar called the gesture policy "silly" and "unbecoming," arguing that it goes against the basic spirit of the game. Posting on social media platform X, he said India must either compete with proper sporting conduct or reconsider playing Pakistan altogether. According to him, symbolic acts like refusing a handshake diminish India's image on the global stage.

The controversy traces back to the Asia Cup 2025, where India and Pakistan met three times amid heightened political tension following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Indian players avoided post-match handshakes, triggering mixed reactions from fans and former cricketers.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup fixture at the R Premadasa Stadium, India captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked whether the team would maintain the same stance. He chose to keep things light, saying the answer would be clear within 24 hours.

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha indicated his team would follow India's lead, adding that Pakistan wanted to play with the right intent and spirit.

The build-up has also seen off-field drama, with Pakistan briefly announcing - and later withdrawing - a boycott threat over broader ICC-related issues. With that decision reversed, attention has now firmly returned to cricket - and whether Manjrekar's sharp criticism will prompt a rethink when the two captains walk out for the toss in this T20 World Cup showdown.