Former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has launched a blunt critique of India’s controversial no-handshake stance ahead of today’s high-profile India-Pakistan Group A clash in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo.

Taking to X, Manjrekar labelled the policy adopted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as ‘silly’ and ‘unbecoming’ of India as a nation.

“This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all,” Manjrekar wrote on social media just hours before the marquee fixture.

India’s no-handshake policy traces back to the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in 2025 and the subsequent military response termed Operation Sindoor, after which the Indian men’s cricket team has refrained from customary handshakes with Pakistan.

The gesture -- or lack of it -- has become one of the most talked-about subplots ahead of the match, with both captains fielding questions about whether they will shake hands at the toss or after the game.

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha said the decision was ultimately India’s, while Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav kept the suspense alive, deflecting repeated questions in his pre-match press briefing.

“I will break the suspense tomorrow [Sunday]. Wait for 24 hours, let us play the game which is more important,” Suryakumar had said about the handshake issue in Saturday’s pre-match press conference.