COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Pakistan will face arch-rivals India on Sunday in the most anticipated fixtures of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with both teams eyeing an early edge in the group stage amid political tensions that continue to influence one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
The high-stakes encounter will take place at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, starting at 3:00 p.m. Pakistan local time. The neutral venue was chosen due to the lack of bilateral sporting ties between India and Pakistan, who last played an ODI series against each other in 2013.
Preparations ahead of showdown
Pakistan’s squad, led by captain Fatima Sana, held its training session on Saturday at the Colombo Cricket Stadium.
Head coach Mohtashim Rasheed oversaw intensive batting, bowling, and fielding trainings as the team looked to recover from a disappointing start to the tournament.
India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, enter the contest after a commanding win over Sri Lanka earlier in the week. Pakistan, on the other hand, will seek redemption after their opening defeat to Bangladesh.
The two sides have faced each other 11 times in Women’s ODI World Cups, with India maintaining a perfect record. Sunday’s game offers Pakistan the opportunity to script history by securing their first-ever win against their neighbours on the global stage.
Handshake controversy
Much of the pre-match discussion has centred not on tactics but on whether players from both sides will shake hands — a symbolic gesture that has become a flashpoint in Indo-Pak sporting relations.
Indian sports journalist Boria Majumdar claimed on social media platform X that there would be “no handshake between the teams” before or after the match, citing lingering hostilities from the recent Asia Cup.
His remarks have reignited debate over how politics continues to seep into cricketing interactions between the two countries.
During the Asia Cup 2025, held in Dhaka last month, Indian players were criticised for avoiding handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts before and after matches.
Analysts say the Colombo fixture, being played on neutral soil, is not just a contest for points but a test of sportsmanship amid deep-seated tensions.
“It’s never just about cricket when India and Pakistan play,” said former Sri Lankan cricketer Chamari Jayasinghe, now a commentator. “The rivalry carries emotion, history, and politics — but also an opportunity for unity through sport.”
Tournament context
The Women’s World Cup, which began on September 30 and runs until October 26, features a round-robin format.
The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals on October 29 and 30, with the final scheduled for November 2.
Defending champions Australia lead the early standings following their thumping victory over New Zealand, while India sit in second place.
Pakistan, meanwhile, are hoping a win against India will revive their campaign and boost morale within the camp.
Team Line-ups
India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud. Reserves: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare.
Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah. Reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar.
