Following the recent events in the Men's Asia Cup tournament in Abu Dhabi, there is speculation about whether a similar outcome can be expected during the Women's ODI World Cup as well. An India-Pakistan match in the ongoing Women's ODI World Cup is scheduled on Sunday in Colombo.
Three of the matches featured India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 garnered significant attention as the Indian Men's Cricket team declined to shake hands with Pakistani players. Later on, India also refused to accept the winning trophy from Asian Cricket Council Chief Mohsin Naqvi.
This example is set by the Indian Men's T20 Captain Suryakumar Yadav, while the attention is now on the Indian Women's Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, as to how she will respond to the situation.
BCCI reactsAddressing media queries as to whether the Indian Women's team will follow a similar approach as the men's team did, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia had some answers.
Talking to BBC Stumped, Saikia stated, "I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same. There is no change in the last week."
Adding, "India will play that match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all cricket protocols will be followed. I can only assure that whatever is in the MCC regulations of cricket that will be done. Whether there will be handshakes, whether there will be hugging, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment."
In the ongoing Women's tournament, India and Pakistan have had contrasting starts. The Indian team successfully began their World Cup campaign, emerging victorious against Sri Lanka in their opening match.
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, chasing a low score of 129 with 18.5 overs remaining in Colombo. It will be a treat to watch as the arch-rivals take on each other this Sunday.