Overview
- PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi announced in Lahore that Pakistan will not initiate handshakes with India, describing an "equal footing" approach to India’s stance.
- Indian men’s and women’s teams have declined handshakes with Pakistan since September, a policy adopted after the Pahalgam attack and followed at the women’s World Cup, the U19 Asia Cup, and the Rising Stars event.
- Naqvi’s remarks followed Pakistan’s win over India in the U19 Asia Cup final, after which mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed accused the Indian side of unethical on-field behavior.
- The ICC had reportedly urged the BCCI to reconsider the no-handshake policy ahead of the U19 tournament, but the Indian board maintained it.
- Reports also note Naqvi left with the Asia Cup trophy as ACC chief after Indians declined to receive it and later personally presented and celebrated the U19 trophy with Pakistan.