Addressing the media, Babu stated that the choice not to exchange the post-match handshake rested solely with Nigar Sultana. He reiterated the board’s stance that sport serves as a bridge to unite nations, adding that Bangladesh maintains a policy of fostering friendly athletic relations with all countries. Consequently, the captain’s actions reflected her personal feelings regarding prior events rather than board policy.

The incident drew widespread coverage across international media, with several Indian outlets attempting to link it to previous political non-handshake incidents between Indian and Pakistani players during the 2025 Asia Cup. However, the icy relations between the Bangladeshi and Indian women’s cricket teams stem from a distinct, long-standing dispute within the sport.

The root of the tension dates back to a heated bilateral series played in Dhaka in 2023. During a tied One-Day International match at Mirpur, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur reacted angrily to an umpiring decision, smashing her stumps with her bat before publicly criticizing the match officials.

Matters escalated further during the joint trophy presentation ceremony. In a controversial moment, Kaur sarcastically suggested that the match umpires should be invited to join the photo session alongside the Bangladeshi squad, implying biased decision-making. Incensed by the perceived disrespect, Nigar Sultana led her team off the presentation stage and back to the dressing room.

Since that ill-fated series, encounters between the two sides have been marked by noticeable coldness. The captains have consistently avoided post-match handshakes across global International Cricket Council events and continental competitions, with this latest incident at the 2026 Asia Cup marking a continuation of that unresolved rift.