The Indian women's cricket team continued the 'no handshake' policy against Pakistan during their ICC Women's T20 World Cup match. The gesture, which has become a norm in bilateral encounters between the two nations, was observed at the toss and after the match.
Precedent Set by Men's Team
The practice was initiated by India's men's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who refrained from shaking hands with his Pakistani counterpart. This policy has since been adopted by the women's team under captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Match Context
The decision to avoid handshakes is seen as a reflection of the strained political relations between the two countries. However, it has become a standard protocol in cricket matches between India and Pakistan.
Fans and analysts have noted that the no-handshake policy does not affect the competitive spirit on the field. The match proceeded with usual cricketing formalities, except for the handshake omission.
Reactions and Implications
While some critics argue that sports should remain apolitical, others support the move as a symbolic stance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially commented on the policy.
This development adds another chapter to the complex relationship between the two cricketing nations, where political tensions often spill over into sports.
