Indian cricketers not shaking hands with Pakistani counterparts is ‘dadagiri’ by BJP, alleges Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday (February 18, 2026) said that Indian cricketers not shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the recent cricket match was “dadagiri” (bullying) by the BJP and the Centre.

Mr Raut said his party was of the view that matches should not be played between India and Pakistan.

Also read: India-Pakistan match: In defense of ‘boring’ match

“(But) If you do this, show good sportsmanship,” Mr. Raut said.

“Indian players not shaking hands with Pakistani players is the dadagiri of the BJP and the government against the Indian players. Why are you playing? What happens if you don’t play (with Pakistan),” he said.

“Thousands of crores are being earned from betting playing with Pakistan. Half of this will go to Pakistan. This money will go to Dawood Ibrahim and Masood Azhar. This will again lead to terrorism,” the Sena (UBT) MP added.

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha during the T20 World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday, February 15, 2026, maintaining the status quo since the Asia Cup held in Dubai last year.