KEY POINTS
- BCCI has instructed the Indian women’s team to avoid handshakes with Pakistani players.
- BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia signals that political tensions likely to influence sporting conduct.
ISLAMABAD: The longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan could overshadow their Women’s World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia signalling that Indian players may skip post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts.
In a move reminiscent of the recent Asia Cup men’s final, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia hinted that India might continue to adopt a political stance during cricketing events involving Pakistan.
Will there be handshakes when India & Pakistan women toss on Sunday at the World Cup? BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia tells me there is “no change” in their relationship with Pakistan. Interview in BBC Stumped pod out tomorrow: https://t.co/TvHf1tyBIS #bbcstumped #bbccricket pic.twitter.com/jKjIbcOE3z
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) October 1, 2025
Speaking to an international news outlet, Saikia said he could not guarantee that Indian players would follow customary sportsmanship rituals such as shaking hands with the Pakistani team, suggesting that the diplomatic freeze between the two countries could dictate on-field behaviour.
“I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that country (Pakistan) remains the same, with no change in the past week,” Saikia stated.
“India will play the match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all cricket protocols will be followed. I can only assure that whatever is outlined in the MCC regulations of cricket will be done. Whether there will be handshakes or hugs, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment.”
The statement has drawn attention amid fresh memories of the Asia Cup men’s final, where Indian players avoided shaking hands with Pakistani players and skipped receiving the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.
Indian players were also seen making politically charged comments in press conferences following that match.
Indian sports journalist Boria Majumdar further fuelled the narrative, saying the India-Pakistan women’s clash will likely mirror the Asia Cup scenario.
Also Read: Pakistan, India Women’s World Cup Clash Clouded by Asia Cup Fallout
“The India-Pakistan game in Colombo will not be just another cricket match. It will be a continuation of the Asia Cup, and the only thing that changes is the gender,” Majumdar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, The Indian Express, citing BCCI sources, reported that the Indian women’s team was instructed by the board to avoid handshakes with Pakistan’s players ahead of their departure for Sri Lanka.
The team had been clearly informed of this stance and assured that the BCCI would fully support them in following it during the World Cup.
The match, scheduled for October 5, is already one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, but analysts warn it risks being overshadowed by off-field politics rather than celebrated for its sporting merit.
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has asked the women’s team to remain focused on the game, assuring players that the board will handle any political distractions or provocations, the same guidance he had given the men’s team during the Asia Cup.
