KEY POINTS
- Concerns mount that India may politicise the match against Pakistan.
- Indian journalist Boria Majumdar warns the clash could be “a continuation of the Asia Cup, only the gender changes.”
- Indian players say their focus remains on cricket, not off-field issues.
ISLAMABAD: Political tensions are threatening to overshadow the high-profile ICC Women’s World Cup clash between Pakistan and India in Colombo on October 5, with lingering controversy from last month’s men’s Asia Cup 2025 fuelling concerns that the rivalry may again be overshadowed by Indian political undertones rather than sporting brilliance.
Traditionally a fierce but celebrated rivalry, the Pakistan-India cricket fixture is no stranger to drama, both on and off the field.
But this year, the buildup is being clouded by memories of recent controversies at the men’s Asia Cup 2025, where India’s conduct drew widespread criticism for politicising the sport.
In a widely discussed post on social media platform X, Indian sports journalist Boria Majumdar warned that the women’s fixture would likely mirror the tension of the Asia Cup, stating:
“The India-Pakistan game in Colombo will not be another cricket match. It will be a continuation of the Asia Cup, and the only thing that changes is the gender.”
He further suggested that the match could feature “no handshakes, lots of off-field drama and heightened stakes.”
The India-Pakistan game in Colombo will not be another cricket match. It will be a continuation of the Asia Cup, and the only thing that changes is the gender. From men to women – that’s the only change. There will be no handshakes, lots of off-field drama and heightened stakes. https://t.co/FbS09amYKt
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) October 1, 2025
Fallout from Asia Cup Still Simmering
India’s men’s team, who defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup last Sunday, courted controversy after refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players in all three encounters.
The situation escalated when Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, citing political reasons.
Women’s Teams Caught in Political Crossfire
As the countdown to October 5 continues, Pakistan’s women’s team is quietly preparing for what is likely to be their most high-pressure match of the tournament, and not just due to cricketing stakes.
The team now finds itself caught in a geopolitical storm it did not create, with questions swirling over whether India’s women will mirror their male counterparts’ actions, potentially refusing customary pre- or post-match courtesies, or making politically charged statements.
Fans and Experts Voice Concern
Cricket fans and analysts across the region have expressed concern over the politicisation of what should be a celebration of international sport.
Social media platforms are awash with appeals urging both boards and players to preserve the spirit of the game and not let political tensions ruin the spectacle.
“The world is watching. This match could either be a moment of unity or another missed opportunity,” said one social media user. “Cricket has always been a bridge; let’s not turn it into a battlefield.”
Indian Women Cricketers Sidestep Handshake Controversy
As expected, Indian women’s team players were quizzed about the recent “no handshake” controversy that overshadowed the men’s Asia Cup during their media interactions ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup.
However, both captain Harmanpreet Kaur and all-rounder Deepti Sharma tactfully avoided getting drawn into the debate, stressing that their sole focus remains on cricket.
“We can only control what happens on the field — and that’s playing cricket,” said Kaur. “As cricketers, we don’t concern ourselves with matters outside our control. Honestly, those things don’t even cross our minds, and we don’t discuss them in the dressing room. Our full attention is on the game.”
Deepti Sharma added, “That match is still some time away. When it happens, we’ll see how to approach it. For now, we’re not thinking about the Asia Cup; our focus is entirely on the World Cup.”
Regardless of the result on October 5, the real question remains: will the game be remembered for cricket, or for everything else that overshadowed it, like Indian male cricketers did?
