No handshakes took place between the captains of India and Pakistan before their match at the Women’s World Cup, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two nations. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistani skipper Fatima Sana did not greet each other during the toss in Colombo, where Pakistan opted to field first. The omission of this customary gesture is linked to political conflicts earlier this year, particularly following a deadly militant attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir.
This match marks a continuation of a policy that has seen both teams face each other only at neutral venues due to historical and ongoing tensions. Despite being the official hosts of the Women’s World Cup, India is playing all of its matches in Sri Lanka, while Pakistan is also competing in the same location.
India entered this clash following a strong start, having defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs using the DLS method in Guwahati. In contrast, Pakistan faced a setback, losing their opening match to Bangladesh by seven wickets in Colombo.
The absence of handshakes is not a new trend. During the recent Asia Cup, Indian men’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav similarly refrained from greeting Pakistani captain Salman Agha in any of their three encounters, including the final, which India won by five wickets. Following India’s first game against Pakistan on September 14, 2023, Yadav stated that the team was following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the government, which advised players against shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts.
The conduct during the Asia Cup sparked controversy, with Pakistan lodging a protest against match referee Andy Pycroft for what they considered unsportsmanlike behaviour from India due to the lack of handshakes. This led to a delay of one hour before Pakistan’s subsequent match against the UAE, as the team sought clarity on the situation. Eventually, Pycroft issued an apology, allowing the match to proceed.
In a further display of discontent, India did not accept the winners’ trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Instead, they lifted an “imaginary” trophy during a team photoshoot.
As the Women’s World Cup continues, the absence of customary gestures like handshakes highlights the complex interplay of sports and politics between India and Pakistan. This match will be remembered not just for the competition on the field, but also for the broader implications it carries in the context of their historic rivalry.
Fans can watch the Women’s Cricket World Cup live on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage extending up to the final on November 2, 2023.
