ICC Womens World Cup 2025: BCCI Signals No Handshakes Between India and Pakistan Teams
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has already delivered on excitement, but political undertones continue to shadow the biggest rivalry in cricket — India vs Pakistan. Ahead of the much-anticipated league clash in Colombo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signaled that the Indian women’s team will likely follow the precedent set by the men’s team: avoiding post-match handshakes with Pakistan.
BCCI’s Statement and Stance
Speaking on the matter, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that while all cricketing protocols will be followed in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, handshakes are not guaranteed. “I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same; there is no change in the last week,” Saikia said in a BBC Stumped interview. ICC Womens World Cup 2025
Honestly, it’s the same vibe we saw in the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year—India totally skipped those post-match chats with the Pakistan squad. Saikia basically said the women’s team will stick to whatever the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rules demand, but, you know, stuff like handshakes or hugs? Not in the rulebook. So, don’t expect any extra-friendly moments. ICC Womens World Cup 2025
Political Tensions Overflow into Cricket
The rain tapped softly on the window, making a soothing sound that went along with the room’s quiet. The world outside was a gray blur, but inside, the fireplace made everything feel warm and cozy. I sat in a chair with a good book and curled up. The pages turned slowly, and each word drew me deeper into the story. It felt like the rain had made a bubble of peace around me, and the day never ended. At this moment, the only things that mattered were the words that made her feel better and the quietness of the day. ICC Womens World Cup 2025
Women’s World Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan Preview
The upcoming India versus Pakistan match in the Women’s World Cup 2025, set for the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, carries immense significance. India approaches this fixture with considerable confidence, having secured a commanding 59-run victory over Sri Lanka in their opening match. Deepti Sharma’s outstanding all-round performance, coupled with Amanjot Kaur’s pivotal partnership, proved instrumental in that result.
In contrast, the Pakistani team enters under significant pressure, having demonstrated inconsistency during the Super Fours stage earlier this season. For both teams, this encounter represents far more than mere tournament progression; it encompasses national pride and the enduring rivalry that has defined their cricketing histories.
Notably, this edition of their rivalry unfolds at a neutral location, a precautionary measure implemented by the ICC following the Pahalgam incident. By relocating the fixture to Sri Lanka, the organizers aim to mitigate political tensions. Nonetheless, intense scrutiny will persist, with every interaction between the two sides likely to be closely observed and analyzed. ICC Womens World Cup 2025ICC Womens World Cup 2025
Sportsmanship vs. Politics
The practice of post-match handshakes in cricket is, at its core, a symbolic gesture rather than a formal requirement. The International Cricket Council (ICC) does not obligate teams to participate in handshakes after matches; instead, this act is generally perceived as an expression of sportsmanship and mutual respect. India’s decision to forgo handshakes with Pakistan has heightened the intersection of political tensions and the game itself. ICC Womens World Cup 2025ICC Womens World Cup 2025ICC Womens World Cup 2025
During the men’s Asia Cup, Pakistan’s cricket board formally objected when Suryakumar Yadav’s team refrained from engaging in handshakes. However, due to the absence of any explicit ICC regulation on the matter, there were no repercussions for the Indian side. ICC Womens World Cup 2025ICC Womens World Cup 2025
As similar expectations surround the women’s teams, recurring questions about the nature of sportsmanship and diplomatic conduct in cricket have resurfaced. While some analysts advocate for the sport as a force for unity, the political realities between India and Pakistan render even routine gestures, like handshakes, fraught with deeper significance.
Fans and Analysts React
The recent announcement has sparked immediate debate across cricket forums and social media platforms. Some individuals strongly endorse the BCCI’s uncompromising approach, grounding their arguments in concerns about national security and prevailing political dynamics. On the other hand, there are voices advocating for a clear distinction between sports and politics, suggesting that athletes should not be burdened with geopolitical issues.
From an analytical standpoint, the upcoming India versus Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 fixture is anticipated to be significant not only in terms of athletic performance but also in the context of external socio-political pressures. It is conceivable that the absence of pre- or post-match handshakes could attract as much attention as the match statistics themselves, reflecting the complex interplay between sport and broader societal issues.
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 ostensibly serves as a platform to highlight excellence in women’s cricket, yet the India-Pakistan fixture in Colombo is imbued with greater significance. This encounter transcends the boundaries of sport. While the athletes emphasize their commitment to performance, the conspicuous absence of handshakes will likely underscore—once more—the persistent entanglement of cricket and politics between these two nations.
For spectators, Sunday’s match is not merely a routine group-stage contest; it is a high-profile event, emblematic of a rivalry shaped by both cricketing history and the enduring geopolitical tensions of South Asia.
