The No handshake controversy returned during the India-Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener as players avoided customary greetings, while India secured a dominant win powered by Deepti Sharma and Smriti Mandhana.
The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 grabbed headlines for more than just cricket. The No handshake controversy started and came into focus when players from both teams avoided the customary pre-match and post-match handshakes during their opening encounter at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
The decision follows a policy that has been in place for India-Pakistan cricket matches since 2025. Reports say the practice continues because of ongoing border tensions and security concerns between the two countries.
India Captain Refuses to Be Distracted
Before the match, questions about the expected handshake rejection were directed at India captain Harmanpreet Kaur during a press conference attended by Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana. However, Harmanpreet made it clear that her focus was entirely on the game.
"We are here for cricket, and we only talk about cricket," she said, emphasizing that the team was treating the encounter like any other international match. Even so, she acknowledged that India-Pakistan matches naturally come with extra pressure and attention.
Has the no-handshake tradition become the new normal?
When Harmanpreet won the toss on Sunday, there was no exchange of handshakes between the captains. The same scene was repeated after the match, as players headed directly to their dressing rooms once the final ball was bowled. What might once have sparked a diplomatic debate is increasingly being viewed as the accepted protocol whenever the two nations meet on the cricket field.
The policy traces back to the period following the Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025 and the subsequent deterioration in bilateral relations. Since then, handshakes have reportedly been avoided in all India-Pakistan cricket meetings across men's and women's tournaments.
Cricket ultimately stole the spotlight
While the No handshake controversy attracted attention, India's performance on the field became the bigger story. Star all-rounder Deepti Sharma delivered a brilliant five-wicket haul, while Smriti Mandhana's explosive 68 off 44 balls helped India secure a convincing victory. The win strengthened India's position as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. The Women's T20 World Cup clash may have begun with discussions about protocol, but it ended with a reminder that cricketing performances still define the biggest rivalries.
Looking ahead
As long as political tensions remain unresolved, the no-handshake policy is likely to continue in future India-Pakistan encounters. However, as Business Fortune observes fans will hope that the focus stays on the quality of cricket, as both teams continue to inspire millions and shape the future of women's cricket on the global stage.
FAQs
1. What is the No handshake controversy?
The No handshake controversy refers to India and Pakistan cricket teams avoiding customary handshakes before and after matches due to ongoing political and diplomatic tensions.
2. Why did India and Pakistan women players not shake hands?
Reports suggest the decision follows a policy adopted after worsening bilateral relations between the two countries since 2025.
3. What did Harmanpreet Kaur say about the issue?
Harmanpreet stated that the team was focused only on cricket and preferred discussing the game rather than political matters.
4. Did the no-handshake policy affect the match itself?
No. Both teams competed normally, and the match proceeded without any disruption.
5. Who were the standout performers in the match?
Deepti Sharma starred with a five-wicket haul, while Smriti Mandhana scored a quick 68 runs to help India secure a comfortable victory.
