Indian women’s cricket team players during practice session.
| Photo Credit: RITURAJ KONWAR
The political and cricketing tension between India and Pakistan has spilled over into the Women’s World Cup 2025, with Harmanpreet Kaur’s side set to adopt a “No Handshake Policy” during their high-profile clash against Pakistan in Colombo on October 5.
The move mirrors the stance taken by the Indian men’s team during the Asia Cup in Dubai, where skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates refused handshakes and even declined to accept the trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi following India’s victory in the final.
According to a senior BCCI official, the women’s team will follow the same approach in their group-stage fixture against Pakistan.
“The BCCI is aligned with the government and there will be no customary handshake at the toss, no photo-shoot with the match referee, and no end-of-game handshakes. The policy followed by the men will also be implemented by the women,” the official told PTI.
Who will present the toss?
The tension has raised curiosity over who will officiate the toss in Colombo. Reports suggest it is likely to be conducted by a former cricketer or a pundit from a neutral nation, to avoid controversy.
Also Read: West Indies Seek Turnaround Against India Amid Historical Struggles in India
From warmth in 2022 to cold shoulders in 2025
The atmosphere is expected to be a far cry from the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand, when images of Indian players doting over Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof’s infant daughter went viral worldwide, highlighting the softer side of the rivalry.
This time, however, Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana are unlikely to exchange even the most basic pleasantries, underscoring just how strained relations between the two boards have become.
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