Harmanpreet Kaur Skips Handshake with Pakistan's Fatima Sana at T20 World Cup 2026

In a striking display of ongoing tensions, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur did not shake hands with Pakistan's Fatima Sana during the toss at the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. This match marks the ninth encounter between the two teams in the tournament's history, with India leading the series. The 'no handshake' policy, rooted in geopolitical issues and a response to past tragedies, has become a standard practice for Indian cricket teams facing Pakistan. This article explores the implications of this gesture and the historical context behind it.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 20:23 IST

Tension at the Toss: India vs Pakistan

In a notable moment before the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur did not shake hands with her Pakistani counterpart, Fatima Sana, during the toss on June 14.

This match marks the ninth encounter between India and Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup. Historically, India has triumphed in six of the previous eight matches, while Pakistan has claimed victory twice, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two teams. Overall, in Women's T20 Internationals, India leads with a record of 13 wins to Pakistan's 3.

Previous Encounters and Current Context

This clash is the first between the two teams since their ODI World Cup meeting in Sri Lanka last year, where India, under Harmanpreet's leadership, won by 88 runs.

Also Read: India clear favourites vs Pakistan in T20 WC, says Abhishek Nayar

Harmanpreet's Response to Handshake Query

At a pre-match press conference, when asked about the handshake tradition with Pakistan, Harmanpreet refrained from discussing the 'no handshake policy' directly, emphasizing that her team's focus was on the game.

During the toss, after winning, Harmanpreet turned to broadcaster Mel Jones without extending her hand to Fatima Sana, further underscoring the absence of the customary gesture.

The 'No Handshake' Policy Explained

The 'no handshake' policy originated during the Men's Asia Cup last year and has been consistently observed in various ICC and continental tournaments, including the Men's U19 World Cup and the Women's ODI World Cup.

This policy reflects the current geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, as their encounters are limited to ICC and ACC events.

Background of the Policy

The decision to adopt this policy is rooted in a response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Indians. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Team India implemented this protocol as a tribute to the victims and in solidarity with the Indian Army following retaliatory actions.

When Suryakumar Yadav captained the team during the 2025 Asia Cup, he initiated the 'no handshake' practice, which has since become a standard protocol for Indian teams facing Pakistan in international competitions.

Cultural and Diplomatic Significance

The continuation of this policy, especially in light of the strained relations following the Pahalgam attack, serves as a visible and unified national statement during international matches. It is more about honoring the victims than a commentary on the sport itself.

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