By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Colombo [Sri Lanka]: Exactly a week after the men’s T20 Asia Cup final, India and Pakistan’s women’s teams are set to face each other during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 on Sunday at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. The fixture comes amid heightened attention following political tensions and the controversies surrounding the men’s final between the two nations.
Venue and protocols in place
Pakistan had earlier refused to travel to India for the quadrennial World Cup event citing security concerns, resulting in the tournament being hosted in Colombo. As with all ICC events, strict protocols will govern interactions between players, including the toss and post-match formalities.
According to sources in the BCCI, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her team have not been given explicit instructions regarding handshakes or other formalities with their Pakistani counterparts. An official said, “It is an ICC event, so there will be protocols in place, which the team will keep in mind.”
Social media and political tensions
With only days remaining for the match, social media has already started buzzing. Images of Pakistan bowler Fatima Sana mimicking gestures similar to those made by Haris Rauf during the men’s Asia Cup have gone viral. The tension has also sparked reactions from former cricketers, with ex-Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal suggesting on ARY News that India should withdraw from the match.
Indian cricket veterans have weighed in on how Harmanpreet should approach the situation. Shobha Pandit, who played three ODIs in the 1978 World Cup, told The Indian Express, “The conflict situation and reality of the day, no doubt, will bring stress to the players other than the game itself because of the politics brought into the game. But I will back Team India and Harman in whatever they choose to do – not shake hands, shake hands, hug, not talk. Having said that, Pakistan team are also human beings, they play the same game as we do, so maintain restraint and respect.”
Following the men’s team example
Former Indian cricketer Sandhya Agarwal advised that Harmanpreet follow in the footsteps of Suryakumar Yadav and the men’s team, who handled the post-match trophy controversy with discretion. “It is expected to be the same situation as the men’s team. And Harman should face Pakistan exactly like Surya did. But I don’t look at it as any additional pressure,” she said.
Anticipation builds ahead of the match
The India-Pakistan rivalry in cricket has always attracted global attention, and this women’s World Cup clash is no exception. Both teams are expected to approach the game with a mix of professionalism and caution, aware of the broader political and social context surrounding the fixture. Fans and experts will be watching closely, not only for the on-field performances but also for how both sides manage interactions amid the tense atmosphere.
