COLOMBO: The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the Women’s World Cup 2025 began with controversy even before the first ball was bowled, as India captain Harmanpreet Kaur declined to shake hands with Pakistan’s skipper Fatima Sana during the toss at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
The incident rekindled memories of the men’s Asia Cup handshake controversy, where Suryakumar Yadav’s Indian side had refused to greet their Pakistani counterparts in the wake of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained since the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, with the hostility extending into the sporting arena. The men’s Asia Cup earlier this year saw multiple flashpoints ranging from Indian players avoiding handshakes to provocative gestures from Pakistan’s side. The friction peaked when Team India declined to receive the tournament trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, head of both the Asian Cricket Council and Pakistan Cricket Board.
In the days leading up to this World Cup match, speculation swirled over whether the women’s teams would break the pattern. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia maintained that the board’s position on Pakistan “remains unchanged,” refusing to comment further. Press conferences held by both squads also avoided clarifying any protocol regarding handshakes or post-match exchanges.
The pre-match tension reached its peak on Sunday when Harmanpreet and Fatima walked out for the toss separately and did not acknowledge each other. After the coin toss won by Fatima Sana both captains spoke briefly to presenter Mel Jones before walking away without interaction.
Fatima chose to bowl first, citing the pitch’s early moisture as a tactical factor. “We’re going to bowl first; there seems to be some moisture on the wicket. One change for us — our confidence is great, and we hope to perform better today. Anything under 250 could be a good chase,” the Pakistan captain told broadcasters.
Harmanpreet, meanwhile, confirmed a single change in India’s lineup. “We played a good series here before the World Cup. We’re staying positive and looking to perform well. One unfortunate change Amanjot Kaur isn’t fit, so Renuka Thakur comes in. The team has bonded well, and we’re excited for today’s game,” she said.
India entered the contest on a winning note after defeating Sri Lanka in their opener, while Pakistan came in under pressure following a loss to Bangladesh.
The silent exchange at the toss has already reignited debate on the sportsmanship and politics surrounding India-Pakistan cricket encounters, signaling that tensions between the two sides remain unresolved both on and off the field.