IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav To Avoid Toss Time Handshake

India's "no-handshake" stance with Pakistan is set to continue at the T20 World Cup 2026, according to a report. India captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected not to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha before the Group A clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.

The contest is the third group match for both teams, who arrive in Colombo with two wins each. The Indian Express reported that the Indian side "will maintain a status quo on the handshaking tradition," which means Suryakumar is not likely to offer a handshake during the toss ritual before the IND vs PAK game.

IND vs PAK T20 World Cup handshake policy and background

India's players have followed a strict 'no-handshake' policy with Pakistan since the Asia Cup held in September. That stance began after tensions rose between the two countries following the Pakistan-linked Pahalgam terror attack. India then carried out 'Operation Sindoor', and the team has continued the same approach into the T20 World Cup 2026.

IND vs PAK T20 World Cup captains' views and on-field spirit

On 14 February, Suryakumar had been asked if India would keep the rule for this Group A meeting. Suryakumar replied, "You will see in 24 hours," and added, "Wait for 24 hours. Eat well, sleep well, we will see tomorrow." Agha said the choice rests entirely with India's players.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday about the handshake question in the IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 match, Agha said, "The game should be played in real spirit, the way it has been played since it started. The rest is up to them (India), what they want to do," making clear Pakistan will accept whatever India decide.

The reported decision is seen as consistent with recent events between the boards. In the build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo, Pakistan had even threatened to boycott the India match. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi accused ICC of "double standards" that helped BCCI after Bangladesh were removed from the tournament. Pakistan finally agreed to play after intense talks, and the IND vs PAK fixture remains the ICC's biggest revenue source.