Indian athletes competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow can decide for themselves whether they want to shake hands or exchange greetings with Pakistani athletes. However, Indian sports officials said that athletes should not accept gifts or presents from their Pakistani counterparts during the event.
This decision has been taken before the many matches to be held between India and Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games. One of the biggest attractions will be the men’s javelin throw competition between Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem. In boxing, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam will take on Sumama Rahman in the men’s quarterfinals.
Why are Commonwealth Games players not following cricket’s ‘no-handshake’ policy?
The Commonwealth Games comprises a number of sports managed by different national federations. According to the Times of India, Indian officials decided to leave the option of shaking hands with Pakistani athletes to the individuals and their respective federations.
Athletes from different countries are living in the same accommodation area. Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Arshad Nadeem and Indian Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra are staying in the same Zone 3 hotel ahead of their much-awaited javelin competition.
Different sports have also taken different approaches. Lawn bowls officials told Indian players that handshakes, high-fives and other greetings with Pakistani opponents are acceptable on the field.
Several other national federations have also confirmed that they have not received any official instructions to ban such conversations. However, Indian athletes have been asked not to accept gifts or presents from Pakistani athletes during the Games.
How did India’s ‘no-handshake’ policy with Pakistan cricketers start?
India’s sports relations with Pakistan became strained after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Following this incident, the Indian cricket team adopted a policy of not shaking hands with Pakistan players before and after matches in senior and age-group cricket.
This policy was first seen during the Asia Cup 2025 and has continued in ICC events including the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. While bilateral cricket between the two countries is suspended, India and Pakistan still meet in multinational tournaments due to ICC and ACC schedules.
However, this policy is limited to cricket under BCCI. Other Indian teams have followed their own guidelines. Junior hockey players from both countries high-fived each other after the Sultan of Johor Cup match, while the visually impaired women’s cricket teams also shook hands after the World Cup match.
india vs pakistan cricket rivalry
The India–Pakistan rivalry is one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket. Since their first Test in 1952, the two teams have played 212 international matches across all formats. Overall, Pakistan is in a slight lead with 88 wins, while India has 81 wins. The remaining 43 matches ended in a draw or no result.
Pakistan also leads the head-to-head record in Tests (12-9) and ODIs (73-58), with 38 drawn Tests and five inconclusive ODIs. India have dominated the rivalry in T20 Internationals, winning 14 out of the 17 matches they have played against Pakistan.
The Men in Blue have also enjoyed great success in ICC tournaments. They lead 8-0 against Pakistan in the Men’s ODI World Cup and 8-1 in the Men’s T20 World Cup. The two teams now face each other only in ICC events and the Asia Cup.
This rivalry has produced many memorable moments, including Javed Miandad’s last ball six in 1986, Sachin Tendulkar’s match-winning innings at Centurion in 2003, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 in the 2022 T20 World Cup and India’s victory over Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup.
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