The highly anticipated women’s cricket match between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Women’s World Cup, set to be played in Colombo on Sunday, is at the center of growing diplomatic tensions. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has publicly addressed the delicate situation surrounding this significant encounter.
(Image: India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur with Deepti Sharma celebrates a wicket against Sri Lanka during an ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match in Guwahati.)
Speaking to BBC Sport, Saikia acknowledged that India’s relations with Pakistan remain strained. He noted that the situation has, in fact, “worsened” in the past week, following a contentious incident involving ACC chairperson Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi reportedly delayed awarding the men’s Asia Cup trophy to India, an act that prompted Indian players to refuse the silverware in protest over a recent terror attack.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic friction, Saikia firmly stated that cricketing commitments would proceed as planned. He emphasized that “India will play the cricket match against Pakistan on the 5th, and all the cricket protocols will be followed,” highlighting strict adherence to MCC regulations for the game.
India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting this global women’s cricket showcase, with all of Pakistan’s matches scheduled to be played in the island nation.
On the matter of traditional on-field gestures between the teams, such as handshakes or hugs, Saikia remained non-committal. “Whether there will be a handshake or hugging, I cannot assure you anything right at this moment,” he said, reiterating that the focus would remain squarely on the sport itself, rather than external political considerations.
In their respective campaigns, India began with a convincing 59-run victory over Sri Lanka, while Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against Bangladesh, being bowled out for just 129 runs.