In the ICC Women’s World Cup encounter between India and Pakistan, a notable moment unfolded when Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur declined to shake hands with her Pakistani counterpart, Fatima Sana, during the toss. This gesture echoes the earlier stance of Indian men’s cricketer Suryakumar Yadav, who also refused to extend a handshake in recent India-Pakistan matches.
Tensions between the two nations have spilled onto the cricket field—following diplomatic strains and conflicts in recent months. The handshake snub at the toss added a charged undertone to what is already one of the sport’s most intense rivalries.
Ahead of the match, Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bowl first. The refusal to engage with customary courtesy rituals deepened the spotlight on how politics and emotions are increasingly influencing cricketing relations.
