Will India Shake Hands with Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup? BCCI Breaks Silence

Oct 2, 2025

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Cricket often carries weight far beyond the boundary line. With intense historical and political tensions between India and Pakistan, every match between the two carries immense symbolic and emotional significance. As the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup approaches, the spotlight is on whether Indian players will extend the customary handshake to their Pakistani counterparts. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now formally broken its silence on the matter.

Context: The Asia Cup Precedent

Before diving into the Women’s World Cup scenario, it’s important to revisit the events of the recent Men’s Asia Cup, which set the tone.

During the Asia Cup 2025, India and Pakistan faced off thrice. In those matches, Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistani team both at the toss and after matches.
The refusal went beyond mere gesture: India also declined to accept the tournament trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves simultaneously as the President of the Asian Cricket Council and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
This act sparked formal protests from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and international scrutiny of sportsmanship and cricket protocol.

That backdrop now shapes expectations — and anxieties — ahead of the Women’s World Cup clash.

What Did the BCCI Say?

The BCCI, via its Secretary Devajit Saikia, issued comments clarifying its stance ahead of the India vs Pakistan women’s match in Colombo on October 5, 2025. Key takeaways:

Key Point	Explanation
No guarantee for handshake	Saikia said he “cannot forecast anything” regarding handshake or hugs.
“Hostile country” remark	He referred to Pakistan as “that particular hostile country,” indicating that relations remain strained.
Protocols will be followed	He assured that all rules laid out by MCC/ICC would be adhered to in the match.
Handshake is not mandatory	According to him, handshake is not part of the formal laws of cricket; it is a conventional gesture.

The tone is cautious. The board isn’t explicitly instructing against handshakes, but neither is it committing to them. The phrase “cannot assure you of anything at this moment” suggests the decision may be situational, tied to political developments closer to match day.

Women’s World Cup 2025: The Landscape

It helps to understand the structure and context of the ongoing Women’s World Cup:

The tournament is jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running from September 30 to November 2, 2025.
Given the India-Pakistan political climate, matches between the two countries will be held at neutral venues (in this case, Colombo for that fixture).
In total, there are eight participating teams; qualification, points tables, and knockout rounds will determine who meets whom at later stages.

If Pakistan progresses, subsequent matches (semifinal, final) may also be conducted in neutral venues to avoid logistical or security complications.

Reactions from Players & Stakeholders

The situation has elicited mixed responses:

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, when asked whether the women’s team would follow the men’s team in refusing handshake, opted for prudence: she avoided a categorical yes, stating that “we will see what we have to do” when the match comes.
On the men’s side, BCCI officials and team management have defended the refusal to shake hands as being within their rights, pointing out that the practice is not mandated by cricket laws (i.e., a “goodwill gesture”).
Critics argue that sportsmanship should transcend politics, suggesting that refusing even symbolic gestures damages the spirit of the game and cricket diplomacy.

Possible Scenarios & Their Impacts

Given the vagueness of the BCCI statement, multiple paths are possible. Below is a breakdown of likely scenarios and how they might play out.

Scenario	What Likely Happens	Implications
No handshake, no contact	India maintains the same posture as in Asia Cup	Heightened tension, possible protests or formal complaints from PCB or ICC
Handshake only by one side	Pakistani players may offer a handshake, Indian team declines	Media debate over respect, optics of the match
Handshake on invitation	The teams may decide on handshake depending on mood, security, or diplomatic channels	A middle path — possible for reconciliation but risky
Full handshake exchange	India reverses stance and engages socially with Pakistan	Seen as a positive move for cricket diplomacy, may invite domestic backlash

Each of these has pros and cons. A no-handshake stance sends a clear political message but risks sporting criticism. A handshake could draw praise, but may be politically sensitive at home.

Legal & Cricketing Aspects: What the Laws Say

It’s worthwhile to clarify what the official cricket rules and norms permit or mandate.

MCC / ICC Laws: There is no rule that mandates a handshake between opposing captains or teams, either before or after play. It is considered a ceremonial gesture of goodwill, not a formal requirement.
Code of Conduct / Spirit of Cricket: These documents encourage respect, fair play, and positive conduct — but they generally do not enforce symbolic actions unless contravening other rules.
Match referee / umpire role: In theory, if any team or player tries to forcibly prevent handshake or interaction, a referee might intervene — but this is rare.
Board policies / internal directives: Boards (like BCCI or PCB) have latitude to issue protocols or instructions, especially if they see a security or representation risk.

Hence, BCCI’s statement that handshake is not in the “rulebook” is technically correct, though many see gesture-based courtesy as part of cricket tradition.

Why This Matters Beyond the Field

This isn’t just a moment of optics — the repercussions extend across sports diplomacy, public sentiment, and governance. Here’s why this handshake—or its absence—carries weight:

Symbolism & Messaging
A handshake (or refusal) becomes a message of posture more than sports. It can be interpreted as defiance, solidarity, diplomacy, or provocation.
Fan & Media Reactions
With India–Pakistan matches always generating high viewership, the media narrative (and social media) will latch on to whether the handshake happened — often overshadowing the sporting contest.
Official Complaints & Governance
In past instances, Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged formal complaints with ICC over “unsportsmanlike behavior.” Such disputes can escalate and be raised in ICC meetings.
Cricket Diplomacy Thresholds
For decades, India–Pakistan cricket has sometimes served as a backchannel for diplomatic thaw. Moves like handshake or refusal affect whether that soft diplomacy survives or gets further eroded.
Psychological Impact on Players
For the players themselves — especially in a global tournament — actions off field can weigh on morale, pressure, and expectations.

What to Watch on Match Day (October 5, 2025, Colombo)

Here’s a checklist of things to keep an eye on during the India vs Pakistan women’s match:

Toss optics: Will captains attempt to shake hands? Will umpires intervene or instruct?
Post-match handshake moment: Will it be offered? Accepted? Declined?
Presentation ceremony: Who presents awards or trophy? Will interaction occur?
Player body language & statements: Post-match interviews may reflect what was or wasn’t said.
Reactions by governing bodies: PCB / ICC may issue statements depending on what transpires.

Final Thoughts

The intersection of cricket and geopolitics has rarely been more visible. As India and Pakistan face off in the Women’s World Cup, the decision to shake hands or not becomes more than a gesture — it becomes a declaration.

The BCCI’s statement tries to navigate this carefully: neither confirming nor refusing, acknowledging the strained relations, and emphasizing adherence to protocols. Whether that ambiguity translates into a handshake or continued refusal will be a moment watched closely by fans, media, and critics alike.

One hopes that, regardless of broader tensions, players from both sides can at least compete with professionalism and respect. If not a handshake, then perhaps the contest itself can become a quiet bridge amid louder divisions.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and opinion purposes only. It does not represent the views of any cricket board or authority. Readers are advised to consider multiple sources and official statements.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.