The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Indian women’s cricket team to refrain from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during their ICC Women’s World Cup match scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Colombo. This directive mirrors the stance taken by the Indian men’s team during the recent Asia Cup, where players also declined to engage in handshakes with Pakistan players.
Background of the No-Handshake Policy
The refusal to shake hands began during the Asia Cup, where India and Pakistan faced each other three times within 15 days. Beyond the on-field rivalry, headlines were dominated by India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan’s players. The stance was first seen on September 14 after a group-stage encounter and was repeated in the subsequent matches, even as tempers flared and provocative gestures came from Pakistan’s side.
Reactions and Implications
The refusal to shake hands has been a point of contention, with some viewing it as a politicization of sports. Notably, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed that sports should remain separate from political issues and suggested that a handshake could have promoted goodwill. Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha criticized India’s conduct, saying their refusal to engage was a sign of disrespect towards cricket rather than Pakistan.
As the match approaches, the focus remains on whether the no-handshake policy will continue, adding a layer of tension to the already charged India-Pakistan cricket rivalry. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not issued any formal protocols regarding handshakes, which have traditionally been a customary gesture of sportsmanship and respect, regardless of the result.
With both teams set to face each other in Colombo, all eyes will be on how the situation unfolds, both on and off the field.
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