New Delhi: The historic intensity of India-Pakistan cricket matches has spilled into the women’s game, with the ‘no-handshake’ protocol continuing at the toss for their latest ODI clash.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first, but the spotlight was firmly on captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana, who, much like their male counterparts in the recent Asia Cup, refused to exchange pleasantries.
After the coinflip, both captains gave their pre-match interviews separately before walking to their respective dressing rooms, leaving fans and media to note the absence of the traditional handshake—a symbol of sportsmanship often expected in international cricket.
Background: A Tradition Breaks
The tension is an extension of the no-handshake trend initiated by the Indian men’s team during the Asia Cup 2025.
While India-Pakistan games have always been high-pressure encounters, this marks one of the few times the protocol has visibly affected women’s cricket. Fans took note immediately, with social media buzzing over the incident as much as the match itself.
Playing XI Updates
Both sides made a single change from their previous outings:
India: Amanjot Kaur out due to illness; Renuka Singh Thakur steps in.
Pakistan: Sadaf Shamas replaces Omaima Sohail.
India Women XI: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur
Pakistan Women XI: Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (c), Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
Rivalry and Stakes
Historically, India has dominated this fixture, with the last ODI in the 2022 World Cup seeing India win by 107 runs. However, Pakistan enters the game with determination, banking on key players like Sidra Ameen, Aliya Riaz, and Diana Baig to challenge India. Despite the odds, the contest is expected to be fiercely competitive.
Pitch, Conditions, and What to Expect
The Colombo pitch is expected to favor seamers early on, and rain is forecasted throughout the match, potentially affecting play. In case of an abandoned match, both teams will share a point each, maintaining their respective positions on the points table.
Captains Speak
Harmanpreet Kaur, speaking before the game, acknowledged the intensity of India-Pakistan clashes: “We have grown up watching these games and always wanted to be part of them. We try to treat it as any other game and stay focused.”
Meanwhile, the ongoing no-handshake saga ensures that the India-Pakistan rivalry remains as emotionally charged off the field as it is on it—making every encounter a spectacle for fans worldwide.
Discussion about this post