(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
BCCI Says ‘No Assurance’ of Handshakes Between India and Pakistan in Women’s World Cup
Published October 2, 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said there is “no assurance” that Indian and Pakistani players will exchange handshakes when the two sides face each other in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, following last month’s Men’s Asia Cup in the UAE (Sept 9–28). During the tournament, Indian players avoided shaking hands with Pakistan’s cricketers after all three encounters. The controversy peaked when India refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
The Asia Cup was the first time the two nations met on the cricket field since the military standoff in May, when India carried out air strikes in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir. Pakistan denied involvement, and the crisis was later diffused through US mediation.
India-Pakistan Clash in Colombo
Pakistan begins its Women’s World Cup campaign today against Bangladesh in Colombo, before facing arch-rivals India on Sunday.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s Stumped program, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said:
“I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same. There is no change from last week.”
He clarified that all official cricketing protocols under Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rules will be followed but added:
“Whether there will be handshakes or hugs, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment.”
Meanwhile, The Indian Express reported that BCCI has already advised the women’s team to avoid handshakes with Pakistan before leaving for Sri Lanka. Sources told the paper:
“The team has been instructed by the board bosses not to shake hands with Pakistan’s players during the tournament. The Indian board will fully support this decision.”
PCB Chief Rejects Apology Claims
A day earlier, PCB and ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly dismissed Indian media reports suggesting he had apologised to BCCI regarding the Asia Cup trophy handover controversy.
Naqvi said:
“Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI — nor will I ever.”
He labelled the claims “fabricated nonsense” and “cheap propaganda,” accusing India of dragging politics into cricket and undermining the spirit of the game.
Naqvi further added that he was ready to hand over the Asia Cup trophy even on the final day and remains willing to do so now:
“If they truly want it, they are welcome to come to the ACC office and collect it.”
Outlook
The India-Pakistan women’s clash is expected to be one of the most high-profile matches of the tournament. However, the ongoing political backdrop and handshake row have once again shifted focus from cricket to off-field controversies.
