Photo via Hindustan Times

Bangladesh captain’s Harmanpreet Kaur handshake snub gets no BCB backing: ‘It was her own decision’

Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana opted not to exchange post-toss handshakes with Indian counterpart Harmanpreet Kaur during their Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-final in Dubai, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board to separate itself from the gesture. Although handshakes between Indian and Pakistani players have ceased since September following the Pahalgam terror attack, Sultana's action occurred without clear explanation.

Rafiqul Islam Babu, the head of the BCB women's committee, stressed that her choice was strictly individual, maintaining that the organization champions sportsmanship and cordial diplomatic connections with India and other nations.

On the field, Bangladesh were eliminated at the semi-final stage for the second consecutive edition after falling 40 runs short of India's 150-run target, failing to replicate their 2018 tournament victory. Sultana has maintained silence regarding the controversy, yet her position as leader faces evaluation.