The U19 World Cup 2026 is underway in Zimbabwe and Namibia, and somehow, controversy seems to be following the Bangladeshi team. At toss, for the match between India and Bangladesh, the opposition skipper Md Azizul Hakim Tamim did not up, and instead vice-captain Zawad Abrar took over the proceedings.
Bangladeshi Skipper Gives Toss a Miss
Eventually, the Indian captain — Ayush Mhatre and Abrar did not shake hands. This event has happened after the senior men’s team from India decided to give the handshake a skip, at the Asia Cup against Pakistan. Nonetheless, after the current incident, much in new BCB has offered an explanation.
As per a release by the board, it was due to an illness to the skipper, that the VC came for the toss. In a longish statement the BCB wrote, “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.
BCB Says, Move Unintentional
“There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition. 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.”
