The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has left the question unanswered on whether Indian and Pakistani players will exchange handshakes during their highly anticipated Women’s World Cup 2025 group-stage match in Colombo.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said he could not confirm if handshakes would take place, stressing that India will strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of cricket. He also highlighted that relations with Pakistan remain unchanged, referring to the neighboring nation as a “hostile country.”
The discussion around handshakes intensified after the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, where India refused to shake hands with Pakistan following the September 14 match, held in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) even lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), but no action was taken since post-match handshakes are not mandatory.
During the Asia Cup, India also declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, further highlighting the strained relations.
Now, as India prepares to face Pakistan on October 5 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, fans are eager to see how the teams will interact. Saikia made it clear that India will follow cricket protocols but avoided making any commitments regarding gestures like handshakes or greetings.
The Women’s World Cup 2025 began on September 30, with India defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs in the opening match. Pakistan, based in Colombo for the tournament, will only meet India at neutral venues, in line with BCCI’s longstanding policy of not playing bilateral matches against Pakistan.
If Pakistan advances to the semi-finals or final, those games will also be staged in Colombo, keeping the arch-rivals separated from direct cricketing engagements outside ICC events.