The Toss That Spoke Volumes: Cricket fans worldwide witnessed history repeat itself in Colombo on Sunday, but not the kind they hoped for. When India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana walked out for the toss at the R. Premadasa Stadium during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, one gesture was conspicuously missing – the traditional handshake.
The no handshake policy that dominated headlines during the men’s Asia Cup has now officially extended to women’s cricket. Harmanpreet and Fatima maintained visible distance during the coin flip, avoiding eye contact and pleasantries entirely. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first, but the diplomatic chill stole the show from cricketing strategies.
Broadcaster Mel Jones stood between the captains as they spoke separately about team selections. Once formalities concluded, both walked away without acknowledging each other – a stark contrast to the spirit-of-cricket moments fans cherish.
Origins of the Controversial Stance
This no handshake policy first emerged during the men’s Asia Cup 2025, when Suryakumar Yadav’s Indian team consistently refused handshakes with Pakistani counterparts across three matches, including the final. BCCI sources confirmed the decision received approval from the Indian government and applies uniformly to all national teams, regardless of gender.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson revealed India cited political sensitivities and security concerns for implementing the no handshake policy. The tension escalated when India declined receiving the Asia Cup trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who doubles as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and serves in the Pakistani government.
Political Context Overshadowing Sport
The strained India-Pakistan relationship deteriorated further following April’s militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which claimed multiple lives. India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror networks across the border.
In cricket terms, this translated to restricted sporting ties limited exclusively to neutral venues and global tournaments – no bilateral series since the 2012-13 season. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed before the match that India’s stance toward Pakistan “hasn’t changed in the last week,” effectively guaranteeing the no handshake policy would continue throughout the Women’s World Cup.
Cricket Takes Backseat to Diplomacy
Despite the off-field drama, both captains attempted maintaining professional focus. Harmanpreet announced Renuka Singh Thakur replacing injured Amanjot Kaur, expressing optimism about team chemistry. Fatima Sana highlighted bowling-friendly conditions and set a 250-run target threshold.
However, the no handshake policy dominated pre-match discussions, overshadowing India’s impressive 11-0 ODI record against Pakistan. The Colombo fixture proceeded under heavy security arrangements, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions between the neighboring nations.
The no handshake policy represents an unprecedented moment where international politics completely permeates sporting protocol. Whether this precedent continues throughout the tournament remains uncertain, but Sunday’s toss confirmed that cricket’s “gentleman’s game” spirit faces significant challenges when diplomatic relations reach breaking point.
Disclaimer: The no handshake policy reflects official BCCI stance aligned with government directives. Sporting protocols continue evolving based on bilateral diplomatic relations and security considerations between participating nations.
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