During the India vs Pakistan women’s clash in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Harmanpreet Kaur-led side chose not to shake hands with Pakistan during the toss at R. Premadasa Stadium.
Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana won the toss and opted to bowl first. Both skippers walked out separately for the toss and did not even make eye contact. Once the coin flip was done, the two spoke to broadcaster Mel Jones before heading to their respective teams.
During the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur said, “We played a good series here before the World Cup. We’re thinking positively and are looking to do well.”
“One unfortunate change – Amanjot isn’t playing, Renuka replaces her. We’ve gelled well as a team and are looking forward to today’s contest,” said Harmanpreet Kaur.
Meanwhile Pakistan skipper said, “We’re going to bowl first; it looks like there could be some moisture on the wicket. One change for us – our confidence is great, hopefully we’ll play better today. Anything under 250 could be a good chase.”
The issue first gained attention during the men’s Asia Cup where India and Pakistan played each other thrice, including the final, which India won.
🚨 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐰𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭!
• Renuka Singh Thakur comes in for Amanjot Kaur (unwell)
• Sadaf Shamas replaces Omaima Sohail#CricketTwitter #CWC25 #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/XB71OsJ49U
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 5, 2025
It started when Suryakumar Yadav’s Indian team chose not to shake hands with Pakistan players after their matches.
Sources from the BCCI said the move had the approval of the Indian government and continues to apply to all national teams.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson revealed that India had refused to shake hands following thier first meeting, citing political sensitivities and securties concerns.
This escalated when India refused to receive the trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman.
The conflict raised ties between India and Pakistan have only worsened following the April conflict that erupted after a militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam.
Soon India made an counterattack called Operation Sindoor and India reportedly reiterated its stance that sporting ties with Pakistan would remain restricted to neutal or global tournaments, with no bilateral series on the horizon.
The two nations have not player a bilateral series since the 2012-13 season, and Sunday’s World Cup fixture in R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo was staged under a heavy security presence.
