no handshake women world cup

No Handshake Saga Continues in ICC Women's World Cup 2025

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Modified - Oct 05, 2025, 11:02 AM

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India women's captain Harmanpreet Kaur once again upheld the team’s decision to avoid handshakes with Pakistan, skipping the customary gesture at the toss ahead of their ICC Women’s World Cup group-stage match in Colombo on Sunday (October 5).

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has already clarified that there had been no agreement in place for players from both sides to exchange handshakes, either before or after the match. This approach is in line with the stance taken by the Indian men’s team during the Asia Cup earlier this year.

No Handshake Women World Cup: India Ignores Pakistan

Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana upheld the ‘no-handshake’ tradition that began during the recent Men’s Asia Cup 2025. After completing the toss and giving their pre-match interviews, both captains simply parted ways and headed back to their dressing rooms. This continued avoidance of the handshake shows the ongoing tensions between the two teams, now extending into the women’s game as well.

Even when the two captains arrived for the toss, there were no handshakes or greetings between them. There was also no eye contact between the two skippers as the scenes gave a similar vibe to that during the recently concluded Asia Cup. India and Pakistan share the greatest rivalry in cricket between them.

Both teams haven’t faced each other in a bilateral series since the 2012–13 season, and their World Cup clash on Sunday in Colombo is taking place amid tight security. Interestingly, Pakistan’s entire Women’s World Cup campaign is based in Colombo. If Pakistan make it through to the semi-finals or final, those games will also be held in Colombo, with the same heightened security and diplomatic protocols remaining in place.

India vs Pakistan Women World Cup 2025: Key Players to Watch Out For

As India and Pakistan gear up for their much-anticipated clash in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 on October 5, all eyes will be on the key players who could turn the game. Both teams have played just one match each so far. India started strong with a commanding win over Sri Lanka, thanks to Deepti Sharma and late fireworks from Sneh Rana, while Pakistan suffered a disappointing defeat to Bangladesh, struggling with both bat and ball.

India had to make an unfortunate change in the playing XI for the match due to an illness. Here is what Harmanpreet Kaur said at the toss:

India Captain, Harmanpreet Kaur: "We played a good series here before the WC. We're thinking positively and are looking to do well. One unfortunate change - Amanjot isn't playing (she's ill), Renuka Thakur replaces her. We've gelled well as a team and are looking forward to today's contest," Harmanpreet said.

Smriti Mandhana is in sublime form this year. She is second on the list of fastest century in women's ODI cricket. Alongside her, Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana will be crucial in the middle overs. For Pakistan, Sidra Amin will be expected to anchor the batting after a shaky team performance in their opening clash, while Nashra Sandhu and skipper Fatima Sana will aim to bring their top game with the ball to challenge a confident Indian side.

India have never lost to Pakistan in Women’s ODIs so far, winning all the 11 games so far. The dominance of the Women in Blue shows the pressure is on Pakistan to step up their game in this crucial clash.