Krunal Pandya and Abbas Afridi Skip Handshake at Hong Kong Sixes Toss

An India-Pakistan clash at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 drew attention before the opening delivery after India captain Krunal Pandya and Pakistan skipper Abbas Afridi did not exchange a handshake during the toss.

Match and Venue Details

• Tournament: Hong Kong Sixes 2026
• Group: Group C (featuring India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates)
• Venue: Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong
• Date: Friday, October 30
• Format: Six-a-side contest, with each team generally allotted six overs to bat across a fast-paced three-day schedule involving twelve competing teams.

Toss Interaction and Context

During the toss proceedings ahead of the Group C encounter, the customary greeting between the two captains did not take place. This moment added to a growing talking point surrounding matches between the arch-rivals, following similar scenes involving Indian teams in recent fixtures, such as the 2025 Asia Cup where pre-match and post-match handshakes were avoided.

Team Context and Squads

Krunal Pandya is leading the Indian squad for the tournament after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was called up for India's tour of New Zealand. The Indian team also includes Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, T Natarajan, and Kulwant Khejroliya. Meanwhile, Pakistan entered the tournament as defending champions, led by captain Abbas Afridi.

Readers can verify official tournament schedules and match outcomes through verified cricket boards and official event broadcasts.