India Women vs Pakistan Women: Uncertainty Over Handshakes Ahead of October 5 Clash

India Women vs Pakistan Women: Uncertainty Over Handshakes Ahead of October 5 Clash

As India Women prepare to face Pakistan Women in Colombo on October 5 during the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup, uncertainty looms over whether the players will engage in traditional post-match handshakes — a gesture that has become politically sensitive in recent weeks.

This marks the fourth consecutive Sunday where an Indian cricket team might opt not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, continuing a trend seen during the recent men’s Asia Cup, where India’s men’s team avoided handshakes at toss and post-match presentations against Pakistan.

Speaking on the BBC’s Stumped podcast, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the situation but refrained from confirming if the Indian women's team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, would follow the same approach.

"Whether there will be handshakes, whether there will be hugging, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment," Saikia said. "I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same. There is no change in the last week."

The Asia Cup controversy remains fresh, with tensions escalating after India refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi — who serves not only as PCB chairman but also as the country’s Interior Minister and president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). India’s objection to Naqvi's role led to a 90-minute delay during the post-match presentation ceremony, ultimately leaving the trophy unclaimed.

Saikia reiterated that despite strained diplomatic ties, the Indian team would comply with the rules of the game.

"India will play that match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all cricket protocols will be followed," he said. "I can only assure that whatever is in the MCC regulations of cricket — that will be done."

So far, there have been no public comments from either women’s team regarding how they plan to handle the sensitive situation surrounding Sunday’s encounter.

Related:

  • India refuse to accept Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan’s Naqvi

  • Agha criticizes India: “They are disrespecting cricket”

  • Naqvi: “India can come and collect the trophy if they want it”