‘HIGH’ Tensions ahead of India-Pakistan Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 clash

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia was asked if the Indian women’s team would behave the same way as the men’s team did against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, during their upcoming ODI World Cup clash. He didn’t give a clear “yes or no” answer but mentioned that India’s relationship with Pakistan has stayed the same over the past week.

“I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same; there is no change in the last week,” Saikia told BBC Stumped.

“India will play that match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all cricket protocols will be followed. I can only assure that whatever is in the MCC regulations of cricket, that will be done. Whether there will be handshakes, whether there will be hugging, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment,” he further said.

Because of the current political tension between India and Pakistan, it is unlikely that players from the two teams will shake hands during the Women’s ODI World Cup match. The situation on the field may be tense, and players might have very little interaction, reflecting the strained relations between the countries.

“The BCCI is aligned with the government, and there will be no customary handshake at the toss, no photo-shoot with the match referee, and no end-of-game handshakes. The policy followed by the men will also be implemented by the women,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity. India and Pakistan are scheduled to square off in the Women’s ODI World Cup on 5 October in Colombo.