The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday kicked off with palpable tension. Captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana opted to forgo the customary pre-match handshake at the toss. This symbolic absence of a greeting echoed recent controversies and heightened unease observed in men’s cricket encounters between the two nations.
(Image depicting the captains at the toss, with no handshake exchanged.)
The game, hosted at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, unfolded against a backdrop of escalating political and athletic tensions. India arrived with considerable confidence, fresh off a 59-run victory against Sri Lanka in their inaugural match. In contrast, Pakistan was aiming for a comeback after suffering a significant loss to Bangladesh, where they were dismissed for a mere 129 runs.
Prior to the event, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia noted a deterioration in relations between India and Pakistan, attributing it to the recent Asia Cup trophy delay incident involving chairperson Mohsin Naqvi. Speaking to BBC Sport, Saikia confirmed that India would adhere to all standard cricket protocols for the match, but cautiously added, “Whether there will be a handshake or hugging, I cannot assure you anything right at this moment,” indicating a deliberate avoidance of certainty regarding gestures of sportsmanship.
Echoing this sentiment, former Indian cricketer and JioStar expert Saba Karim suggested that the women’s team would adopt the same approach as their male counterparts during the Asia Cup. “The BCCI’s position is unequivocal. The Indian women’s team will mirror the men’s team’s conduct in the Asia Cup. I do not anticipate any handshakes with the Pakistani cricketers,” Karim stated during a pre-match Media Day interaction.
Karim further dismissed notions that this particular encounter would pose India’s most formidable challenge in the tournament. He asserted, “Not at all. The real tests will come against teams like England, Australia, and New Zealand. Pakistan qualified through preliminary rounds, and facing a superior Indian side will undoubtedly be tough for them.”
Commenting on the playing conditions in Colombo, Karim highlighted, “The wickets are low, and the ball generates significant turn. Pakistan visibly struggled in their initial game against Bangladesh. India possesses potent spin bowlers such as Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Shree Charani, which will undoubtedly provide them with an advantage.”
Despite the prevailing political discussions overshadowing the event, India’s concentration remained steadfastly on the game. In the match itself, Pakistan won the toss, and captain Fatima Sana chose to bowl first, citing the overcast weather conditions.