Women’s World Cup: Pakistan players expecting no handshake from Indian team in Colombo clash
As the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup kicks off with its opener in Guwahati, Pakistan’s women’s cricket team is preparing for a tense India vs Pakistan clash in Colombo on October 5. They’re bracing for the Indian side to stick to the same “no handshake” policy that the men’s team followed during the recent Asia Cup controversies in Dubai.
The Pakistani players have turned to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for clear guidance on how to handle it. Sources say team manager Hina Munawar reached out for advice, expecting the Indian women to skip post-match handshakes just like their male counterparts did in all three Asia Cup games. The Indian men even turned down the trophy from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Hina Munawar, a police officer and trailblazer as the first woman to manage Pakistan’s men’s team earlier this year during the Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy, wants everyone on the same page.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana is keeping things straightforward. She told reporters they’re treating the high-stakes India match like any other World Cup game, zeroing in on consistency, discipline, and teamwork to push toward the knockout stages. “Wearing the Pakistan shirt is an honor, and we’re ready to play positive cricket and make our fans proud, InshaAllah,” Sana said. The team is pumped for the tournament and aims to shine in every matchup.
History adds extra pressure: Pakistan’s women have yet to beat India in their 11 One-Day International meetings, with the most recent coming in the 2022 World Cup at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Pakistan starts their campaign strong against Bangladesh on October 2 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, where they’ll play all group-stage games. If they advance, the semi-final on October 29 and final on November 2 will also happen right there in Colombo.
Sana is optimistic about that winning start, crediting their flawless 100% record in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Lahore earlier this year—they beat Bangladesh during that five-win streak to earn their spot in this eight-team event.
Preparations have been sharp and focused, Sana shared. The team honed weak spots after the Qualifiers and hit the ground running in Colombo training sessions. The conditions feel a lot like home in Pakistan, helping everyone settle in fast.
A warm-up against Sri Lanka got washed out by rain, which was a bummer since the hosts know the pitches best. But the match versus South Africa let them test lineups and build confidence. “It was great to get some time at the crease and score runs after our last series,” Sana added. She’s thrilled with the squad’s growth and how they’re tackling challenges as a unit, even as they know there’s always room to get better.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
