IND vs PAK Hong Kong Sixes: India's clash with Pakistan at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 drew attention even before the opening delivery, as captain Krunal Pandya did not exchange a handshake with Pakistan skipper Abbas Afridi during the toss. The moment came ahead of the Group C encounter on Friday, October 30, adding another talking point to the latest meeting between the arch-rivals.

WATCH: Krunal Pandya, Abbas Afridi's Toss Moment Catches Attention

Krunal led India into the six-a-side contest at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. During the toss proceedings, the customary greeting between the two captains did not take place, with the moment drawing attention amid the continuing no-handshake trend in India-Pakistan cricket.

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The incident follows similar scenes involving Indian teams in recent encounters with Pakistan. The practice became particularly prominent during the 2025 Asia Cup, when India's men's team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, avoided the customary post-match and pre-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts.

Why Is Krunal Pandya Leading India At Hong Kong Sixes 2026?

Krunal is captaining India's side in the tournament after Bhuvneshwar Kumar received a call-up for India's New Zealand tour. The squad also features Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, T Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya.

Pakistan have arrived as defending champions, with Abbas Afridi leading their team. Both sides are placed in Group C alongside the United Arab Emirates, setting up a contest that attracted interest before play began.

India And Pakistan Meet In Six-Over Contest

The Hong Kong Sixes uses a fast-paced format in which each team generally has six overs to bat. Twelve teams are competing across three days, leaving little room for slow starts or prolonged recovery after a difficult passage of play.

While the toss-stage interaction became an early talking point, the India-Pakistan match also carries significance within the group competition. With both teams competing in the same group as the UAE, their encounter forms part of the tournament's opening round of action.