5 mins read
Date: February 15, 2026
Location: Colombo
Event: T20 World Cup 2026
If you thought the rivalry between India and Pakistan was just about bat and ball, think again. The tension was high in Colombo this Sunday, and it wasn’t just because of the humid weather or the screaming fans.
We witnessed another chapter in the intense, off-field drama that has surrounded these two cricketing giants lately. The headline moment didn’t come from a six or a wicket it happened right at the toss.
Let’s dive deep into everything that happened, from the toss drama to the playing XIs, and what the captains had to say.
The T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan is always a massive event. But before a single ball was bowled, the cameras caught a moment that has sent social media into a frenzy.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) did not exchange the customary handshake with his Pakistani counterpart, Salman Ali Agha, at the toss.
Usually, in cricket, the toss is a friendly affair. The captains meet, the coin goes up, they announce their teams, and they shake hands to wish each other luck. It is a tradition as old as the game itself. However, today in Colombo, that tradition was skipped.
This wasn't a mistake. It wasn't an accident. And it certainly wasn't because they forgot.
According to reports, this is a continuation of a strict No-Handshake Policy that the Indian team has been following for a while now.
You might be asking, "Why would SKY refuse to shake hands? Is it personal?"
The answer is no, it is not personal against Salman Ali Agha. This is a much bigger issue.
The Policy Timeline:
Since that event, the Indian cricket team has followed a strict protocol. They do not shake hands with players from the Pakistan side. This isn't just for the senior men's team. this policy has extended across age-group tournaments and even women’s cricket.
The Controversy Continues
This isn't the first time this has happened. The no-handshake stance became a huge talking point during the Asia Cup last year. At that time, Suryakumar Yadav’s refusal to shake hands drew very strong reactions from Pakistan.
In fact, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, was reportedly very unhappy with the stance. There was so much tension that Pakistan briefly threatened to boycott their next fixture! Eventually, they continued in the tournament, but the bad blood remained.
The controversy didn't end there. After India defeated Pakistan in the final of that tournament, India reportedly did not accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi (who is also the ACC chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister). The Indian team is yet to receive that trophy because Naqvi took it back with him!
So, what we saw today in Colombo is just the latest chapter in this ongoing diplomatic standoff on the cricket field.
Let’s move on to the actual cricket.
The Coin Toss:
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss.
The Decision:
He opted to bowl first.
The Reason:
Salman Ali Agha explained that the pitch looked a little tacky. He believes the conditions will assist the bowlers, especially in the first few overs. He wants his pacers to take advantage of the moisture or slowness in the surface early on.
He also mentioned that they are relaxed in their group and excited for the challenge. He noted that this ground is bigger than the previous venue (KIC) and the pitch is slower.
You can’t rattle SKY easily. Even though he lost the toss, he looked completely unbothered.
When asked if he minded batting first, Suryakumar Yadav gave a very confident answer.
There’s more to life than simply increasing its speed.
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SKY’s Quote:
"Not at all. We were looking to bat first. We’ve seen the results here, and we’ve batted in the last two games and won both the games defending, so we don’t want to change anything."
This is a great mindset. India has been winning by defending totals recently, so losing the toss might actually be a blessing in disguise.
SKY also spoke about the pressure of the match.
"(On the big occasion) I think it’s easy to say that it’s just another game, but it is an occasion. These games are always very high stakes, but at the same time, you’ve got to know what you want to do. That’s more important. Stay in the present, back your skills, put your A-game forward and be yourself."
He also touched on current form:
"(Does form count?) The sport teaches you a lot of things. On a given day, if you’re going well, then anyone can have a good day."
India has made some bold moves for this high-voltage encounter. The management has decided to tweak the Playing XI to suit the conditions in Colombo.
Two Changes for Team India:
Pakistan Team News:
On the other side, Pakistan has decided not to tinker with their combination. They have named an unchanged team. They are backing the same XI that has been playing for them recently.
Here is the full list of players stepping onto the field for this massive game.
The Men in Blue are packed with power hitters and spin wizards today.
Squad Analysis:
This is a spin-heavy attack. With Axar, Kuldeep, and Varun Chakaravarthy all playing, India is clearly looking to choke the Pakistan batters in the middle overs. Bumrah is the lone premier pacer, supported by Hardik and Dube.
Pakistan is relying on their traditional strengths.
Squad Analysis:
Pakistan has a deep batting lineup with Babar and Rizwan in the middle. Shaheen Afridi will be the biggest threat with the new ball against India’s openers.
The match is taking place in Colombo.
As always, when India plays Pakistan, the world stops watching everything else.
The No Handshake incident has already split opinions.
Regardless of where you stand on the handshake debate, one thing is certain: The tension adds extra spice to the match. The players know the stakes. The captains know the history. And the fans are ready for a battle.
So, there you have it. The stage is set in Colombo.
Will India’s decision to snub the handshake fire up the Pakistan team? Or will SKY’s cool and calm approach lead India to another victory?
Stay tuned to the blog for more updates as the match progresses. This is going to be a cracker of a game!
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