After the Asia Cup, where the Indian men’s cricket team declined to shake hands with the Pakistani team, the focus now shifts towards women’s cricket: will the Indian women get together for a customary handshake with the arch-rival team during their upcoming match in the Women’s World Cup?
The answer will be known when the two teams meet for their group stage match on October 5. The match is likely to be highly passionate, judging by the appearances in Asia Cup, where India had defeated Pakistan thrice with all being heated contests. The match is slated to be held in Colombo as Pakistan’s women’s team has refused to travel to India. Pakistan is playing all its matches in Sri Lanka.
Senior spinner Deepti Sharma had refused to comment on the Indian team’s decision during the recently concluded India-Australia series. However, sources placed very high have stated that the team appears likely to follow suit with that of the men and not engage in handshakes.
Read Also:- Sarfaraz Khan Available for the West Indies Test? Recovery Date gets Revealed
But according to the ICC tournament regulations, a handshake between the two captains is supposed to take place at the toss, and at the end of the game, the players and support staff from both teams are supposed to shake hands.
Sources indicate that the ICC hasn’t received any such request from Indian players thus far, and the BCCI has not formally conveyed anything to the Indian team. “The ICC has not received any such request. What will happen near the game, it will be seen later,” said an official.
Women led by Harmanpreet Kaur represent India, while Pakistan will be led by Fatima Sana. These two captains will be under the spotlight as Sunday arrives. “If they (women’s team) don’t carry it forward, questions will be asked. If they do carry it forward, then there will be talk about sportsmanship. So, it’s down to the players, management, and the board. The exact situation will only come into focus just prior to the match,” remarked an official.
