Recent cricket encounters between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 have been marked by significant political tension. Notably, the Indian men`s team declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts and even refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi (who is also a Pakistani minister) after their final victory. This established a precedent under the leadership of men`s team captain Suryakumar Yadav. Consequently, all eyes will be on Indian women`s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur as her team prepares to face Pakistan in the Women`s World Cup 2025, anticipating a similar policy regarding cross-border interactions.
Devajit Saikia, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was questioned about whether the Indian women`s team would adopt the men`s team`s stance when competing against Pakistan in the upcoming ODI World Cup. While not giving a direct `yes` or `no` answer, Saikia affirmed that India`s relationship with Pakistan has remained unaltered.
“I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular country, which we consider hostile, remains unchanged; there has been no shift in the last week,” Saikia told BBC Stumped.
He elaborated, “India will play the match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all standard cricket protocols will be adhered to. I can only guarantee that the regulations set by the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) will be observed. However, regarding handshakes or hugs, I cannot provide any assurances at this moment.”
Given the ongoing political climate between India and Pakistan, it appears highly improbable that players from both teams will engage in customary handshakes during the Women`s ODI World Cup.
An anonymous BCCI source, speaking to PTI, confirmed the board`s alignment with government policy: “The BCCI is aligned with the government, and consequently, there will be no traditional handshakes at the toss, no joint photo-shoots with the match referee, and no post-match handshakes. The protocol established for the men`s team will also be applied to the women`s team.”
The highly anticipated Women`s ODI World Cup match between India and Pakistan is set to take place on October 5th in Colombo.
