India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025: In a rare turn of events at the Women’s World Cup 2025, cricket fans around the world were left talking about something beyond the game itself. On October 5, when India and Pakistan’s women’s teams faced off in Colombo, the expected pleasantries at the toss—where players traditionally shake hands—were missing. Skippers Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana, in a notable break from tradition, avoided the handshake, continuing the no-handshake stance that had made headlines during the men’s Asia Cup earlier in the year.
The decision to forgo a handshake was part of a broader atmosphere of tension between the two cricketing nations, dating back to several controversies that had already affected the men’s Asia Cup 2025. These tensions found their way onto the field yet again, as both teams tried to focus on the match despite the growing hostilities.
A Storm in the Cricketing World
This no-handshake approach started in the men’s competition, when India’s Suryakumar Yadav-led side made headlines by refusing to shake hands with Pakistan after their group-stage encounter. What followed was a series of diplomatic standoffs that marred the Asia Cup, with Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, skipping the post-match interview. The situation escalated when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a controversial video of their meeting with the match referee, calling for his removal. The incident earned Pakistan an official reprimand, deepening the divide.
The tension only intensified when, after the final, India’s team decided not to accept the winners’ trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the head of both the Asian Cricket Council and PCB. Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, was reluctant to delegate the presentation, which led to an awkward 90-minute delay before the Indian team celebrated their victory without the trophy.
These behind-the-scenes clashes became the backdrop to the much-anticipated Women’s World Cup match. Fans were left wondering whether the female cricketers, too, would engage in the handshake ritual or follow the men’s lead and skip it. The controversy over the handshake was only the surface of a deeper political divide, which, sadly, had cast a shadow over the spirit of cricket.
A Day of Uncertainty and Rain in Colombo
The day of the match arrived under cloudy skies, with rain threatening to spoil the festivities. The Indian team began their pre-match routine early, with players warming up on one side of the ground. Some players indulged in a friendly game of football to break the tension, while others, like Arundhati Reddy and Radha Yadav, broke off for a brief bowling spell. The team’s head coach, Amol Majumdar, addressed the squad in a pre-match huddle, adding a sense of focus as the match approached. Afterward, he and Harmanpreet Kaur inspected the pitch, which had been covered up the day before due to weather concerns.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s team was seen warming up near their dugout, with captain Fatima Sana addressing her players in a brief huddle of her own. There was no time for complacency as both teams geared up for what was sure to be an emotionally charged encounter.
A Complex Web of Tensions
As the teams prepared, both on and off the field, the match became more than just a contest of cricketing skill—it was a reflection of the political tensions between India and Pakistan. Cricket, often celebrated for bringing people together, seemed to be divided by the same discord that has plagued the nations for decades. The no-handshake decision, while just a small part of the game, became a powerful symbol of the ongoing rivalry and the wider tensions between the countries.
The tension surrounding the match was felt in the air, as players and officials alike navigated a situation that was about more than just cricket. The ICC match officials, aware of the delicate circumstances, had already briefed both teams separately about the match-day protocols to avoid any further incidents. It’s clear that the growing divide between the two boards and the media spectacle surrounding it has started to overshadow the true spirit of the sport.
The Road Ahead
As the match began, the focus eventually shifted back to cricket, but the shadows of the handshake controversy loomed large. The teams—united by their love for the game, despite the off-field tensions—gave their all in a match that will be remembered for its intensity, not only in terms of cricket but in the broader geopolitical context.
It’s a reminder that sports, while capable of uniting nations, can sometimes be caught in the crossfire of larger, unresolved conflicts. As the Women’s World Cup unfolds, cricket fans across the globe will hope that this rivalry remains confined to the field, allowing the game to shine without the weight of political discord.
Disclaimer: This article is a creative expression based on publicly available information and does not reflect the opinions or views of the author’s associated organizations or individuals.