The India-Pakistan rivalry added another tense chapter on Sunday as the Women's World Cup 2025 group-stage clash in Colombo began without the traditional handshake between the two captains.
India's Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan's Fatima Sana walked out for the toss separately at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
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India continues no-handshake policy at the toss
According to visuals from the toss, there was no exchange of pleasantries or even eye contact between Harmanpreet and Fatima. After the coin flip, both captains addressed broadcaster Mel Jones before returning to their respective huddles.
It's time for some batting firepower 💥
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 5, 2025
Pakistan win the toss and #TeamIndia will bat first! 🏏
Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/CdmEhf3jle#CWC25 👉 #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/bqYyKrwFLt
The policy first came to attention during the men's Asia Cup last month, when India declined post-match handshakes due to security and political sensitivities.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson later revealed that the Indian team had also avoided collecting the winners' trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who doubles as PCB chairman.
One change each for India and Pakistan
At the toss, Harmanpreet confirmed a single change in India's XI, with Renuka Singh Thakur replacing the injured Amanjot Kaur. "We have gelled well as a team and are looking forward to today's contest," she said.
Fatima Sana opted to bowl first, expecting early assistance for her seamers. "It looks like there is some moisture on the wicket. We are hoping to make use of that and restrict India under 250," she said.
The absence of a handshake may have caught headlines, but once the action began, all eyes were firmly back on cricket, where India looked determined to maintain their unbeaten run against Pakistan in World Cups.
India vs Pakistan Women's World Cup 2025: Playing XI
India-W XI: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
MORE: Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 odds, winners list, favourites to win, schedule and results
Pakistan-W XI: Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (c), Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
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