India Defeats Pakistan in T20 World Cup Match Without Handshakes

On February 15, 2026, India and Pakistan played a cricket match at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The match took place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India won the game by a large margin, defeating Pakistan by 61 runs. This game was an important part of the tournament and drew attention because of the ongoing rules about player interactions. During the match, India scored 175 runs for 7 wickets. A key player named Ishan Kishan contributed significantly by scoring 77 runs off 40 balls. His performance helped India set a competitive total for Pakistan to chase. Pakistan was dismissed for just 114 runs in 18 overs, ending their innings early and securing an Indian victory. The match was different from others because, like the previous tournament in 2025, the players did not shake hands. This continues a policy where captains decide whether or not to engage in handshakes before and after the game. In this case, the Pakistan captain, Salman Ali Agha, mentioned that it was up to the Indian players to make that decision. Despite the lack of handshakes, the game went ahead as scheduled. Initially, there was some tension before the match when Pakistan decided to boycott the game. However, they reversed this decision and participated. Such decisions highlight ongoing debates about player conduct, safety, and sportsmanship in international cricket. The game was played without any handshakes between the captains. This approach has been used during the 2025 Asia Cup as well, reflecting a broader trend in the tournament. It is part of efforts to promote safety and possibly address other concerns among the teams. As of February 16, 2026, there is no official plan or schedule for the next match between India and Pakistan in this tournament. Fans and teams are waiting for further updates from the organizers. This match and the decision to skip handshakes show how sports can adapt to various circumstances. The rules and policies around player interactions can change depending on safety concerns and other factors. Both teams followed the rules and played within the framework set by the organizers. The outcome of the game and the policies on player conduct continue to be discussed in the cricket community. Fans are interested in how future matches will be conducted, especially regarding the handshake policy. These decisions are part of a larger context of managing international sports events with health, safety, and sportsmanship in mind. In summary, the India versus Pakistan match in the 2026 T20 World Cup was a significant event. India’s victory was clear, and the lack of handshakes marked a notable continuation of a policy that some see as a way to improve safety during international matches. The tournament organizers and teams will likely continue to review and adapt these policies as the competition progresses.