By Admin 
T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has set three conditions to end Pakistan’s boycott against India. Demand for higher revenue share from International Cricket Council, resumption of bilateral cricket relations and also Indian players will have to join hands with Pakistani players in T20 World Cup 2026. In the meantime, let us know whether ICC can force players to shake hands or not.
What do ICC rules say?
Despite strong political and emotional sentiments, the rules are very clear. According to ICC playing conditions and rules of cricket, shaking hands is not necessary. It is not mandatory at all and there is no rule that allows the ICC to force players to shake hands before or after a match.
Officials of both the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have made it clear that the handshake is purely symbolic. This is simply a tradition rooted in good faith, not a binding protocol.
Just a tradition no rules
For decades, post-match handshakes have been seen as signs of mutual respect between teams. However, the ICC has consistently maintained that such gestures are voluntary. The team and the players have the right to decide how they express the spirit of the game.
PCB’s stance and ICC’s reaction
The PCC’s emphasis on mandatory handshakes stems from the previous example. In fact, in the last few tournaments, Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistan after the match. In response, Pakistan has requested the ICC to introduce a mandatory protocol to avoid such situations in future tournaments.
Why did India refuse to shake hands?
Actually, the root of this controversy is related to Pulwama terrorist attack. After the attack, Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistani players to show solidarity with the victims. This decision was not seen as against the spirit of the game but as a symbolic step. To put it simply, ICC cannot force players to shake hands at all.
Also read: No girl can ever sit on this chair in Japan, what is this tradition?