India women maintain no-handshake stance in high-tension WC clash against Pakistan

India’s women’s cricket team continued its high-profile no-handshake policy against archrivals Pakistan during the toss ahead of their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 group-stage clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium on October 5.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana walked out separately, avoiding eye contact and foregoing the customary pre-match pleasantries. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, but it was the conspicuous absence of a handshake that dominated the moment, reaffirming India’s adherence to a stance first seen during the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year.

The policy originally gained attention during the men’s Asia Cup, when Suryakumar Yadav’s team refused to shake hands with Pakistan players after multiple encounters, including the final, which India won. Sources from the BCCI confirmed the approach has government approval and applies to all Indian national teams.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson revealed that India had declined the handshake citing political sensitivities and security concerns. Tensions reportedly deepened after India refused to receive the winners’ trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also PCB chairman.

The strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have escalated following the April Pahalgam militant attack, prompting India to restrict sporting engagement with Pakistan to neutral or global tournaments. The two nations have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, making Sunday’s World Cup fixture a high-security affair.

Pakistan remains based entirely in Colombo for the tournament, while India splits its group-stage fixtures between Guwahati and Sri Lanka’s capital. Any potential semi-final or final involving Pakistan will also take place in Colombo under similar security and diplomatic protocols.

On the field, India confirmed one change to their XI, with Renuka Singh Thakur replacing the injured Amanjot Kaur. “We played a good series here before the World Cup. We’re thinking positively and looking forward to today’s contest. One unfortunate change – Amanjot isn’t playing, Renuka replaces her. We’ve gelled well as a team,” said Harmanpreet Kaur.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said her side was ready to exploit the bowling conditions. “We’re going to bowl first; the wicket looks like it could offer some moisture. One change for us – our confidence is great, and hopefully we’ll play better today. Anything under 250 could be a good chase,” she said.