India vs Pakistan women's match: No handshake policy in group clash continued
India vs Pakistan women's match: No handshake policy in group clash continued
Digital Desk: During the toss ceremony before their ICC Women's World Cup 2025 group-stage match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur upheld the team's no-handshake policy against bitter rivals Pakistan.
Fatima Sana, the captain of Pakistan, won the toss and chose to bowl first, but what really stood out was how the two captains did not shake hands.
Fatima and Harmanpreet did not even make eye contact or exchange pleasantries as they left separately for the toss. Before returning to their respective teams, the two had a conversation with broadcaster Mel Jones following the coin flip.
India's continued adherence to the no-handshake policy, which was first observed during the men's Asia Cup earlier this year, was reaffirmed during the brief but tense exchange.
Mike Hesson, the coach of Pakistan, disclosed that India had declined to shake hands after their initial encounter, citing security and political sensitivities.
According to BCCI sources, the action was approved by the Indian government and is still applicable to all national teams.
