The diplomatic chill between India and Pakistan appears to be spilling over into the cricketing arena once again, this time in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Following the Indian men’s team’s decision to boycott handshakes with Pakistani players during the recently concluded Asia Cup, reports suggest that the Indian women’s team may adopt a similar stance when they face Pakistan in the group stage match on October 5 in Colombo.
The match, already charged with historical and political undertones, is expected to be one of the most closely watched fixtures of the tournament. According to sources cited in multiple media reports, the Pakistan women’s team has been briefed by their board to expect a continuation of the “no-handshake” policy initiated by the Indian men’s team during their three encounters in the Asia Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, has not made any formal announcement or approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the matter.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, when asked about the issue during the ICC captains’ press meet, remained non-committal. “We can only control what happens on the field. Off-field matters are not in our hands and we don’t even discuss those things in the dressing room,” she said. All-rounder Deepti Sharma echoed similar sentiments, stating, “That match is far away. When it happens, we’ll see what to do.”
India vs Pakistan – Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Fixture Details
| Match No. | Date | Venue | Time (IST) | Broadcast Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th Match | October 5 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 3:00 PM | Star Sports, Hotstar |
The ICC has clarified that there are no mandatory protocols regarding handshakes between teams. Traditionally, handshakes are exchanged at the toss and after the match as a gesture of sportsmanship, but they are not enforced by regulation. This leaves the decision entirely to the discretion of the teams involved.
The men’s team’s boycott was reportedly triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The gesture was seen as symbolic, reflecting national sentiment and diplomatic strain. The women’s team now finds itself at the crossroads of sporting tradition and political messaging.
India vs Pakistan – Women’s ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | Pakistan Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
India has historically dominated Pakistan in women’s cricket, having never lost an ODI to their arch-rivals. However, the off-field tension adds a layer of complexity to what is otherwise a straightforward sporting contest.
The Pakistan team manager, Hina Munawar, has reportedly taken guidelines from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on how players should respond if the Indian team avoids handshakes. While no official stance has been made public, the expectation is that the players will maintain composure and focus on the game.
Handshake Controversy – Timeline of Events
| Date | Event Description | Outcome/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| September 14 | India men’s team avoids handshake with Pakistan | Sparks debate on sportsmanship |
| September 21 | Second Asia Cup match, same policy followed | Political undertones intensify |
| September 28 | Asia Cup Final, no handshake post-match | Trophy handover skipped by ACC chief |
| October 5 | Women’s ODI World Cup match scheduled | Anticipated continuation of boycott |
Former cricketers and commentators have weighed in on the issue, with opinions divided. While some argue that sports should remain above politics, others believe that symbolic gestures like handshake boycotts reflect the mood of the nation and are valid forms of protest.
Shobha Pandit, former India women’s team player, urged restraint and respect. “Sport is a bridge, not a battleground. Let the players play and let the politics stay outside the boundary ropes,” she said. On the other hand, Sandhya Agarwal, another veteran, supported the team’s right to choose. “If they feel strongly, they should stand by their principles. It’s not just about cricket anymore.”
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Handshake Boycott
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 2.3M mentions | 80% divided | #NoHandshake #IndiaVsPakistan |
| 2.1M interactions | 78% reflective | #WomenInBlue #CricketDiplomacy | |
| 1.9M views | 82% curious | #ODIWorldCup2025 #HandshakeDrama | |
| YouTube | 1.7M views | 84% analytical | #IndiaPakistanExplained #CricketNews |
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, all matches involving Pakistan are being played in Sri Lanka as part of a mutual agreement between the BCCI and PCB, following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 citing security concerns.
As the October 5 clash approaches, the focus remains on whether the Indian women’s team will follow the precedent set by their male counterparts or choose to separate sport from politics. Either way, the match promises to be a high-voltage encounter both on and off the field.
India Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result (TBD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 30 | Sri Lanka | Guwahati | — |
| October 5 | Pakistan | Colombo | — |
| October 9 | South Africa | Vizag | — |
| October 12 | Australia | Bengaluru | — |
| October 19 | England | Ahmedabad | — |
| October 23 | New Zealand | Pune | — |
| October 26 | Bangladesh | Kolkata | — |
| October 29–30 | Semi-finals | TBD | — |
| November 2 | Final | TBD | — |
As cricket continues to mirror the complexities of geopolitics, the upcoming India-Pakistan women’s clash will be more than just a contest of bat and ball—it will be a reflection of diplomacy, identity, and the evolving role of sport in international relations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified media coverage, and expert commentary. It does not constitute political endorsement or diplomatic advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
