Women’s World Cup 2025: India to continue no-handshake stance against Pakistan

The much-anticipated India Women vs Pakistan Women encounter in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is set to take place on October 5 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. While the spotlight is firmly on the cricketing rivalry, the build-up to the contest has been overshadowed by the ongoing handshake controversy between the two nations.

According to Sportstar, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Indian women’s team not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts on Sunday. This directive follows a series of similar incidents during the Asia Cup 2025, where the Indian men’s team declined post-match handshakes with Pakistan players amid escalating political tensions on three occasions.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified that handshakes are not mandatory under tournament regulations. However, action can be taken if teams or players violate the Spirit of the Game.

With emotions running high after the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, India and Pakistan’s strained diplomatic relations have spilled over into cricket. Notably, during the Asia Cup final, the Indian team even refused to accept the trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.

Since the Champions Trophy earlier this year, both countries have only faced each other at neutral venues in ICC and ACC tournaments. This arrangement will continue until 2027, meaning Pakistan will play all their Women’s World Cup fixtures in Colombo.

On the cricketing front, India Women have made a strong start to their campaign, defeating hosts Sri Lanka Women by 59 runs in the tournament opener. Their batting unit looked sharp, while the bowlers executed plans efficiently. Meanwhile, Pakistan Women are set to open their campaign against Bangladesh Women on October 2.

As both teams prepare for Sunday’s clash, cricketing action promises to be intense, but it is the off-field tensions that continue to dominate the narrative.