T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan humiliated again as Team India continue no-handshake protocol

Colombo: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan is being played in Colombo. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and invited India to bat first. The R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo was packed with spectators for the India-Pakistan match. As soon as the captains of both teams took the field for the toss, the entire stadium erupted in cheers.

What happened during the toss?

Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav made two changes for the match against Pakistan. Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav were included in the playing XI, while Arshdeep Singh and Sanju Samson were left out. This was especially true when Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav once again showed the Pakistani captain his place. In fact, Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav once again maintained the no-shake protocol and did not shake hands with the Pakistani captain. After the toss, Captain Surya spoke directly to the match referee.

When did Team India start the no-handshake protocoal?

It's worth noting that the Indian cricket team initiated a no-handshake protocol against Pakistan during last year's Asia Cup. In April of last year, Pakistani terrorists brutally murdered dozens of Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In protest, the Indian cricket team management implemented a no-handshake protocol in the match against Pakistan.

Not only the senior team, but also the Indian women's team and the Under-19 team, Indian players did not shake hands with any player in the matches against Pakistan. It's worth noting that there has been a lot of discussion about the handshake before the India-Pakistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

How did Indian batters perform?

The Indian team, batting first, suffered a major setback in the very first over. Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for no score. Captain Salman Ali Agha dismissed him. India scored 52 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay. Ishan Kishan scored a half-century in 27 balls. Ishan Kishan played an innings of 77 runs in 40 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. Usman Tariq was given the opportunity to bowl in the 11th over and conceded 6 runs in his first over. Tilak Verma could only manage 25 runs in 24 balls. Hardik Pandya was caught out trying to hit a big shot on the very first ball. Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 runs from 29 balls. Shivam Dubey was run out for 27 off 17 balls. Axar Patel was caught out on the first ball. For Pakistan, Saim Ayub took three wickets, while Usman, Shaheen, and Salman each took one wicket.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. Captain Salman Ali Agha stated that Pakistan made no changes to the playing eleven, while the Indian team made two changes. Abhishek Sharma replaced Sanju Samson, while Kuldeep Yadav replaced Arshdeep. Abhishek missed the previous match against Namibia due to a stomach infection.

Who has the upper hand in the T20 World Cup?

In the history of the T20 World Cup, the Indian team has dominated Pakistan by a large margin. The two teams have played a total of eight matches in the T20 World Cup so far, of which India has won seven and Pakistan has won one. Pakistan last defeated India in the World Cup in 2021 by 10 wickets. India, meanwhile, secured a thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in the previous World Cup in New York.

The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, made a winning start to the tournament by defeating the United States by 29 runs in their first match. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, defeated the Netherlands by three wickets in a close match. In the second match, India defeated Namibia by 93 runs, while Pakistan won their second match against the United States by 32 runs.

What are the Playing XIs?

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Pakistan (Playing XI): Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq