Colombo: The simmering tension between India and Pakistan’s cricket teams cast a shadow over the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, as captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana conspicuously skipped the customary handshake at the toss at R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
This deliberate snub, set against the vibrant backdrop of Colombo, reignited discussions about the strained cricketing ties between the two nations, reflecting deeper diplomatic frictions.
While the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not enforce handshakes, the gesture is a cherished tradition symbolising sportsmanship. Its absence underscored a frosty standoff, echoing a similar incident during the men’s Asia Cup 2025, where India’s Suryakumar Yadav also avoided shaking hands with Pakistan’s players. That episode escalated when Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped his post-match press conference, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) controversially leaked footage of a heated discussion with match referee Andy Pycroft, demanding his ouster. The PCB faced an official reprimand, further souring relations.
Sunday’s no-handshake moment in the women’s game signals that the chill has permeated beyond men’s cricket, with India maintaining a resolute policy of non-engagement. Despite the on-field intensity, India dominated the match, thrashing Pakistan by 88 runs to extend their unbeaten ODI streak against their rivals to 12. However, the spotlight lingered on the off-field drama, as fans and analysts debated whether such gestures undermine cricket’s spirit.
As geopolitical tensions continue to seep into the sport, the absence of a simple handshake speaks volumes, hinting at a prolonged freeze in Indo-Pak cricketing camaraderie. With both teams now focused on their World Cup campaigns, the incident leaves a lingering question: can cricket transcend the divide?
Comments are closed.