Customary gesture skipped again amid ongoing tensions during must-win Super 6 clash
February 1, 2026: India and Pakistan captains skipped the traditional handshake at the toss during their Super 6 Group 2 match in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. India skipper Ayush Mhatre and Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf completed the toss formalities without the customary gesture, continuing a pattern seen in recent India–Pakistan encounters. The absence of a handshake has become increasingly common since India’s refusal during the 2025 Asia Cup and later in the Asia Cup Rising Stars match involving India A and Pakistan Shaheens.
On the field, Pakistan Under-19 won the toss and chose to bowl first in what is a decisive final Super 6 fixture. With England already qualified from Group 2, the match is a virtual knockout, as both Asian rivals are fighting for the lone remaining semi-final berth. Australia and Afghanistan have already secured qualification from Super Six Group 1, raising the stakes further for this high-voltage contest.
India entered the match placed second in Group 2 with three wins from three matches and an impressive net run rate of 3.337, while Pakistan stood third with two wins and a net run rate of 1.484. A win would be enough for unbeaten India to seal qualification, whereas Pakistan need not only victory but also a big margin to overtake India on net run rate. The clash once again underlined how India–Pakistan encounters remain intense both on and off the field, even at the junior level.