BCB clarifies 'no-handshake' incident at U19 World Cup was unintentional

Bangladesh Cricket Board said on Saturday that the absence of handshake between the captains at toss during the Under-19 World Cup game against India was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration.

With regular captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim sidelined because of illness, vice-captain Zawad Abrar stood in at the toss, while Ayush Mhatre led India. The absence of a handshake at the toss was noticeable before the start of play, fuelling the presently tense relations between with the two Asian nations.

A similar situation had played out at the senior level last year, when India and Pakistan captains did not shake hands at the toss during the Asia Cup. Although diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained of late, the BCB insisted that the incident was not intentional at all.

"Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion. The BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition," BCB said in a statement.

"The Board has viewed the matter with due seriousness, as upholding the spirit of cricket and respect for opponents is a fundamental prerequisite for representing Bangladesh at any level and immediately advised the team management accordingly. The players have also been reminded of their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect in all interactions with opposing teams," it said.

"BCB remains fully committed to the values of cricket, both on and off the field," it added.