Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has openly criticized India’s reported decision to skip handshakes before or after the match. He described the move as “silly” and said it does not suit a country like India.
According to him, cricket is a sport that stands for respect, discipline, and fair play, and small gestures like handshakes reflect those values.
Manjrekar stressed that when two teams agree to play against each other, they should fully follow the spirit of the game. He believes sports should rise above political or external tensions.
In his view, once players step onto the field, their main responsibility is to represent their country with dignity and uphold the traditions of cricket. Avoiding a simple act of sportsmanship, he suggested, sends the wrong message to fans and the global cricket community.
He further explained that if a team feels strongly about not engaging in normal sporting gestures, then it should reconsider participating in the match altogether. Playing the game but refusing basic courtesies creates confusion and unnecessary controversy.
Manjrekar’s comments have sparked discussion among fans and experts. Some agree that sportsmanship should always come first, while others believe national sentiments also matter.
However, his main point remains clear: cricket should be played with mutual respect. Whether teams are fierce rivals or not, the spirit of the game must be maintained. For him, true competition includes both intense performance on the field and respectful behavior off it.
