No handshakes or hugs, Team India ‘debug’ Pakistan in women’s World Cup match in Colombo
Call it optics, or call it a continuation of ‘Operation Sindoor,’ Team India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, whacked Pakistan by 88 runs at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday night in the ICC Women’s World Cup.
The build-up to this contest, billed as high voltage, was more due to political reasons than cricket. It is well-known, on paper and on the field, the Indian women are very strong, be it in terms of physique or cricketing skills. Yet, to defeat Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana ranked high on the emotional quotient for a plethora of reasons.
There has been bad blood and the negative vibes have been continuing, since the Asia Cup in Dubai, when T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav showed he can be a good leader. Surya made the right noise in Dubai, as Team India beat Pakistan men thrice in the Asia Cup. Defeating Pakistan in the final was also important, after which drama followed where Pakistan’s crooked Mohsin Naqvi was snubbed by Team India. A refusal to collect the trophy from him was a clear signal, a man backing terrorists from across the border cannot be handing over a cricket trophy, despite being the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) President.
Even as that topic rages like wildfire, the build-up to the ICC World Cup for women was also hot. After all, prior to the important match between India and Pakistan, who will play only on neutral territory, another controversy had erupted when a Pakistani female cricket commentator, Sana Mir, had stirred the hornet’s nest. While commentating on a Pakistani player, Natalia Parvez, last week, Sana had used the word “Azaad Kashmir”to describe where she had come from and trained in. For India and patriotic Indians there is Kashmir and POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir). The main problem is, Pakistan keeps pushing terrorist from there, and they meet their fate at the hands of the Indian Defence Forces.
There was no breach in Colombo, as India showed character in defeating Pakistan’s ladies by 88 runs. Imagine, this rivalry has now become a charade, as India have beaten them a dozen times now – 12-0. Even after this, the Pakistanis will act smart, and the result will be obvious.
What was also a bit strange in the match, an early run-out of Muneeba Ali, insects attacking the field of play, and a strong pesticide spray needed by a masked man to do the damage control. As was expected, there were no handshakes after the toss between the two captains – Harmanpreet and her rival Fatima Sana. And, after India thrashed Pakistan, there were no pleasantries exchanged. This is in sync with philosophy of sporting relations between India and Pakistan, contests will take place, but minus any act of friendship or trying to show they are ‘friends’ after a match.
As India won comfortably, fans and social media celebrated wildly. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised the Indian team and posted on X/Twitter: A perfect strike.
A perfect strike.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 5, 2025
Dominating display of India's cricketing might by our Women's Cricket team in today's match in the ICC Women's World Cup.
Nation is proud of our team. Best wishes for your upcoming matches.#CWC25 pic.twitter.com/HRZP9GxqTv
