The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that there is no assurance of handshakes between Indian and Pakistani players before or after their upcoming Women’s World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia made it clear that since political relations between the two nations remain unchanged, traditional gestures of sportsmanship such as handshakes or hugs cannot be guaranteed.
“Protocols Will Be Followed, But Handshakes Not Assured”
According to Saikia, all official cricketing protocols will be respected during the match, but certain gestures that fall outside the mandatory rules are not assured.
“The match will go ahead with all cricketing procedures as per regulations. However, there is no guarantee that players will shake hands or embrace each other before or after the game,” Saikia said.
Indian Media Reports on BCCI Instructions
Indian media outlets have also claimed that the BCCI has specifically instructed the Indian women’s team to avoid handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts during the World Cup encounter.
This includes:
- No handshake at the toss.
- No handshake after the match.
The reports highlight that the directive has been issued to maintain a strict stance, reflecting the unchanged political climate between the two nations.
Past Controversies Fuel the Debate
The debate over handshakes is not new. During the recent Asia Cup, India and Pakistan’s men’s teams faced each other three times, including in the final.
- Indian players, especially the captain, were heavily criticized for their post-match behavior.
- The Indian skipper not only refused to collect the trophy but also avoided shaking hands with Pakistani players, sparking widespread backlash from fans and experts.
Fans Await Women’s Match With Interest
Cricket fans are now keenly watching to see how the women’s teams will conduct themselves on Sunday. Will the players show a more positive sporting spirit on the field, or will the political tension once again overshadow the game?
The Colombo fixture is expected to draw significant attention, not only for the cricket on display but also for the off-field gestures that often symbolize respect and unity in the sport.
