The India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup game began with noticeable tension as both teams skipped the traditional handshake at the toss. The moment quickly drew attention online, echoing a similar scene from the Men’s Asia Cup earlier this year.
Captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana stood side by side for the coin toss but did not exchange greetings. They spoke only with the match presenter before walking back to their respective teams. The silence between them reflected the ongoing strain between the two cricketing rivals.
Fans and experts were quick to notice the gesture, with many linking it to the political tensions between India and Pakistan. Some saw it as a continuation of national rivalry spilling onto the cricket field, while others called it a missed opportunity to promote sportsmanship.
The men’s teams from both countries had earlier avoided handshakes during the Asia Cup, and it appears that the women’s teams followed the same approach. Cricket analysts say that while the rivalry boosts viewership, such actions can also deepen divides instead of promoting friendly competition.
Despite the pre-match tension, the game itself proceeded smoothly with both sides focused on their performance. The incident, however, sparked discussions across social media platforms, with mixed reactions from fans in both nations.
Many users criticized the act, saying sports should remain separate from politics, while others defended it as a statement of national pride. Regardless of the interpretation, the India vs Pakistan women’s match once again proved that cricket between the two countries is never just a game.
