Aakash Chopra Replies to Pakistan Fan 'No Handshake to Boycott' Links U-19 Loss
Aakash Chopra shuts down a sarcastic Pakistan fan, saying denouncing their own U-19 team after a loss to India is shameful.
Former India Opener Aakash Chopra delivered a sharp rebuttal to a sarcastic Pakistan cricket fan on social media amid escalating tensions over Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15.
Pakistan’s announcement has sent ripples across the cricketing world and coincided with India’s victory over Pakistan in the ICC Under-19 World Cup, where the Indian team knocked their rivals out of semi-final contention. The timing has fuelled speculation that the boycott is intended as a symbolic message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian team.
Amid the backlash, a Pakistan fan attempted to provoke Chopra on X, referencing an earlier Asia Cup incident in which players from the two sides did not shake hands. “You started it with no handshake, and we finished by not playing with you at all. Now enjoy the party,” the user wrote.
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Chopra responded firmly, calling out the logic behind the comment. “Aaj hi toh khele. Pakistan’s Under-19 team is a Pakistani team. Denouncing your own kids just because they lost? That’s shameful behaviour,” he posted, drawing widespread attention and support online.
The exchange comes as the cricketing fraternity debates the wider implications of Pakistan’s boycott decision, with several former players and analysts questioning its impact on the tournament and on the spirit of the sport. While officials are yet to clarify the next steps, the controversy continues to dominate discussions ahead of the marquee India–Pakistan clash that now hangs in uncertainty.
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