The recent handshake controversy between India and Pakistan in cricket has stirred up a significant amount of discussion, blending the worlds of sports and geopolitics once again.
As the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 continues and the India – Pakistan clash approaches, it is understood that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has advised the Indian women’s team to refrain from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts.
Reports indicate that the BCCI instructed the women’s team to avoid handshakes during the toss and post-match interactions against Pakistan. This decision follows a similar protocol that the Indian men’s team adopted during the recent Asia Cup 2025, where they also declined to shake hands and refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has been careful in his wording, suggesting that the final decision on handshakes will adhere to cricketing protocols and the rules set by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). However, the timing of this directive hints that it is more of a board-level policy rather than an individual choice by the players or leadership.
India co-hosts the ongoing Women’s World Cup, with the Pakistan women’s team playing all their matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This arrangement stems from ongoing diplomatic tensions and the history of India being reluctant to host or tour Pakistan in cricket since 2013. To navigate these complexities, the ICC and BCCI agreed to a “hybrid model,” where India – Pakistan games will be held at a neutral venue, here, the highly anticipated match against India, will be held at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
If Pakistan advances deep into the tournament, both the semi-finals and possibly the final will also take place in Colombo, ensuring the tournament’s format and integrity remain intact.
India kicked off its World Cup campaign on September 30, 2025, against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, clinching a solid win by 59 runs. As the group phase unfolds, India is preparing for its clash against Pakistan, but this time, it won’t take place on Indian soil. Instead, the match will occur in Colombo, showcasing the unique nature of this tournament.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s World Cup journey kicks off on October 2nd, 2025, against Bangladesh at the R. Premadasa Stadium. At the same venue, they’ll face India on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
Historically, India holds a strong advantage in this rivalry, with an impressive 11–0 record in Women’s ODIs against Pakistan. Their last World Cup encounter in 2022 saw India triumph by 107 runs, and they continue to dominate in T20 matchups as well.
As the October 5th showdown approaches, all eyes will be on the neutral venue and India’s flawless ODI record over Pakistan, making this match not just about numbers but also about the weight of history and rivalry.
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