British and Indian Journalists Criticize Indian Cricketers for Refusing Handshake with Pakistani Team

Mumbai, India – February 18, 2026 – Prominent British and Indian journalists have sharply criticized the Indian cricket team’s decision not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following a recent match, labeling it as contrary to the spirit of the game and reflective of deeper political influences.
In a widely discussed Indian talk show, British-Indian journalist and author Mihir Bose, along with Indian sports journalist Ayaz Memon, condemned the gesture. Bose argued that the refusal highlights a “national folly,” stating, “The Indian players’ refusal to shake hands reveals the country’s naivety, teaching its youth the wrong lessons from a nation that claims to be a global power on the cusp of greatness and economic supremacy.”
Memon echoed these sentiments, asserting that the decision could not have been made independently by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “The BCCI cannot make such a call on its own; this must have come at the behest of the Indian government,” he said.
The incident has sparked broader debate on social media and in cricket circles, with some viewing it as a symbolic act of hostility amid ongoing Indo-Pak tensions.1e300b Critics argue it undermines sportsmanship, while supporters see it as a firm stance.88232e The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly warned the ICC that future matches against India could be jeopardized if such behavior persists, emphasizing the need for mutual respect in the “gentleman’s game.”4186c1
This controversy comes at a time when cricket diplomacy between the two nations remains strained, with calls for de-escalation from international figures. Analysts suggest the no-handshake policy may be more about domestic optics than genuine strategy, potentially affecting the revenue-driven dynamics of Indo-Pak encounters.6332bb As voices like Bose and Memon amplify the criticism, the episode highlights the intersection of politics and sport in South Asia.