The India Women vs Pakistan Women match in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is set for October 5. The game will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Fans are excited about the big rivalry. But the build-up has been clouded by the ongoing handshake controversy.
According to Sportstar, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has told the Indian women’s team not to shake hands with the Pakistan players on Sunday. This move comes after similar incidents in the Asia Cup 2025. At that event, the Indian men’s team refused post-match handshakes with Pakistan players three times. The reason was rising political tensions between the two nations.
Indian Women’s cricket team to avoid handshake after Pakistan Women’s cricket team in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said that handshakes are not mandatory under tournament rules. But it also made clear that “action can be taken if teams or players violate the Spirit of the Game.”
Relations between India and Pakistan remain tense. Emotions are high after the Pahalgam terror attack and the launch of Operation Sindoor. Cricket has also been affected. During the Asia Cup final, the Indian men’s team even refused to accept the trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi. He also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.
Since the Champions Trophy earlier this year, the two nations have only met at neutral venues. This rule will continue until 2027. For the Women’s World Cup, all of Pakistan’s matches are scheduled in Colombo.
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On the field, India Women have made a good start. They beat hosts Sri Lanka Women by 59 runs in the opening game. The batters scored well, and the bowlers backed them with sharp spells. Pakistan Women will begin their campaign against Bangladesh Women on October 2.
As both sides get ready for the October 5 clash, cricket fans expect thrilling action. Yet, it is the off-field tension that is dominating headlines before the big game.
