BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addresses uncertainty over India-Pakistan handshakes ahead of Women’s World Cup clash.
BCCI Remains Tight-Lipped on India-Pakistan Handshakes Ahead of Women’s World Cup Clash
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia provided no assurance regarding whether Indian and Pakistani players will shake hands in the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2025 match at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, October 5. Tensions between the two sides flared during the recently concluded Men’s Asia Cup, culminating in a controversial post-match presentation.
During the group stage clash on September 14, following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, Suryakumar Yadav’s Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint with the ICC, but as post-match handshakes were not mandatory, no action was taken. India maintained this stance throughout the tournament, refusing to interact with any Pakistani player or officials.
What did the BCCI secretary say?
Speaking to BBC Stumped, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said he cannot predict anything regarding India-Pakistan interactions, noting that relations with Pakistan remain unchanged. He assured that India will adhere strictly to cricket protocols and the MCC regulations.
“I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same; there is no change in the last week,” Saikia said. “India will play that match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all cricket protocols will be followed. I can only assure that whatever is in the MCC regulations of cricket, that will be done. Whether there will be handshakes, whether there will be hugging, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment,” he added.
The Women’s World Cup began on September 30, with India registering a 59-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match. Pakistan are based in Colombo for the entire tournament, as India and Pakistan only face each other at neutral venues in global events—a policy implemented before the Pahalgam terror attack. Should Pakistan qualify for the semi-final or final, those games will also take place in Colombo.