The upcoming India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 match is already making headlines. The focus is not just on cricket but also on whether players from both sides will shake hands after the game. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has refused to give any assurance, leaving the matter uncertain.
BCCI Keeps Silence on Handshakes
Saikia, while speaking to BBC Stumped, made it clear that India will stick to cricket’s official rules but offered no clarity on gestures like handshakes or hugs. He emphasized that relations with Pakistan have not changed in the past week.
“I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same; there is no change in the last week,” Saikia said.
He further added, “India will play that match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all cricket protocols will be followed. I can assure you that all regulations governing cricket, as outlined in the MCC, will be followed. Whether there will be handshakes, whether there will be hugging, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment.”
Tensions After Asia Cup 2025
The question of handshakes became a controversy during the Men’s Asia Cup last month. India and Pakistan met three times, but the post-match interactions turned bitter. On September 14, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor, Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, since handshakes are not mandatory, no action was taken. India continued its stance for the rest of the tournament.
This tension carried over to the presentation ceremony. India refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is both the ACC chief and PCB chairman.
Focus Shifts to Women’s World Cup
The Women’s World Cup 2025 began on September 30. India started strongly, defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs in the opening match. Pakistan is also playing its group-stage matches in Colombo, as India and Pakistan only meet at neutral venues in ICC events.
This policy was introduced even before the Pahalgam attack, ensuring that the two arch-rivals avoid bilateral series and only clash in neutral locations. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals or final, those games will also take place in Colombo.
Uncertainty Ahead of October 5 Clash
The India vs Pakistan women’s match is set for October 5 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With no clarity from the BCCI about handshakes, the spotlight will be as much on the post-match gestures as on the game itself.
The cricket world will be watching closely to see if the players exchange pleasantries or continue the no-handshake stance.
