India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign began with a commanding 88-run win over Pakistan in Colombo, but it was the pre-match toss that stole headlines. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s refusal to shake hands with her Pakistani counterpart Fatima Sana has reignited the diplomatic flashpoint that first surfaced during the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year. The gesture — or lack thereof — was a mirror image of Suryakumar Yadav’s team’s stance in Dubai, where Indian players avoided handshakes with Pakistan amid rising political tensions.
The incident unfolded at the R Premadasa Stadium, where both captains walked out separately for the toss. Despite standing side by side, there was no eye contact, no greeting, and no handshake. After the coin flip, which was marred by a brief officiating error, both captains spoke to broadcaster Mel Jones and returned to their teams without any interaction.
India vs Pakistan – Women’s World Cup 2025 Toss Flashpoint
| Incident Detail | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Toss Ceremony | No handshake between captains | Symbolic of strained relations |
| Coin Flip Error | Misinterpretation by match officials | Pakistan awarded toss incorrectly |
| BCCI Advisory | No-handshake policy for Pakistan matches | Continuation of Asia Cup protocol |
| Public Reaction | Mixed responses across platforms | Sparked diplomatic and sporting debate |
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had reportedly advised players to maintain a no-handshake stance with Pakistan, citing political sensitivities and national security concerns. This directive mirrors the approach taken by the men’s team during the Asia Cup, where players refused post-match greetings and declined to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
India vs Pakistan – Timeline of Handshake Row
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup Men’s Final | September 2025 | India refuses handshake and trophy |
| Women’s World Cup Toss | October 5, 2025 | Harmanpreet avoids handshake with Fatima |
| BCCI Statement | Ongoing | No formal comment, stance remains unchanged |
| ICC Protocol Briefing | October 4, 2025 | Teams briefed separately to avoid conflict |
The toss itself was marred by confusion. Fatima Sana called “tails,” but match referee Shandre Fritz and presenter Mel Jones misheard it as “heads.” When the coin landed heads up, Pakistan was incorrectly awarded the toss and chose to bowl first. Harmanpreet Kaur remained composed, later speaking privately with Jones after Sana had walked away.
The match was played under heavy security, with diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan at a peak following the April Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The two nations have not played a bilateral series since 2012–13, and all encounters now take place in neutral venues or ICC tournaments.
India vs Pakistan – Match Summary (Women’s World Cup 2025)
| Team | Innings Score | Top Performer | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 247/8 (50 overs) | Harleen Deol – 46 (65) | Won by 88 runs |
| Pakistan | 159 all out (43.2) | Sidra Amin – 81 (106) | Bowled out, sixth on table |
| Player of Match | Kranti Goud – 3 wickets | Deepti & Sneh – 5 wickets combined | India top of group |
India’s performance on the field was clinical. Harleen Deol anchored the innings, while Richa Ghosh added late fireworks with an unbeaten 35 off 20 balls. Pakistan’s Diana Baig bowled a spirited spell, taking 4 wickets, but her efforts were overshadowed by a costly no-ball that denied her a five-for.
Pakistan’s chase faltered early, with India’s seamers swinging the ball and spinners tightening the grip. Sidra Amin’s elegant 81 was the lone resistance, but she ran out of partners. Kranti Goud’s three-wicket burst earned her the Player of the Match award.
India vs Pakistan – Bowling Breakdown
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kranti Goud | 8.2 | 34 | 3 | 4.08 |
| Deepti Sharma | 10 | 42 | 3 | 4.20 |
| Sneh Rana | 9 | 38 | 2 | 4.22 |
| Renuka Singh | 6 | 21 | 1 | 3.50 |
The post-match atmosphere remained frosty. Players from both sides skipped the customary handshakes and headed straight to their dressing rooms. The ICC had briefed both teams in advance to avoid any on-field escalation, but the symbolic snub was enough to reignite the debate.
Social media exploded with reactions, with hashtags like #HarmanpreetSnub, #NoHandshakePolicy, and #IndiaVsPakistan trending across platforms. While some fans supported the gesture as a show of national solidarity, others criticized it for politicizing sport.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Handshake Row
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 76% divided | #HarmanpreetSnub #NoHandshakePolicy |
| 1.2M interactions | 80% patriotic | #IndiaVsPakistan #CricketDiplomacy | |
| 950K views | 72% critical | #SportOrPolitics #WorldCupFlashpoint | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 78% analytical | #HandshakeRowExplained #CricketTensions |
The ICC has not issued a formal statement on the incident, but sources suggest that match officials were instructed to respect national board directives. The BCCI has maintained silence, with Secretary Devajit Saikia reiterating that India’s stance on Pakistan remains unchanged.
India vs Pakistan – Political and Sporting Context
| Issue | Description | Impact on Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Pahalgam Terror Attack | April 2025, 26 Indian tourists killed | Led to Operation Sindoor |
| Operation Sindoor | Indian military retaliation | Heightened diplomatic tensions |
| Asia Cup Trophy Snub | India refused to accept trophy from Naqvi | Symbolic protest against PCB chief |
| No Bilateral Series | Since 2012–13 | Only ICC or neutral venue matches |
In conclusion, Harmanpreet Kaur’s handshake snub against Pakistan has reignited a simmering flashpoint in the Women’s World Cup 2025. While India’s on-field dominance remains unquestioned, the off-field symbolism has added a layer of political tension to an already high-stakes rivalry. As the tournament progresses, the spotlight will remain not just on cricketing excellence, but on the diplomatic undertones that continue to shape India-Pakistan sporting encounters.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified media coverage, and official tournament updates. It does not constitute political commentary or endorsement. Readers are advised to follow updates from the ICC and BCCI for accurate information.
