India-Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup: Handshake Controversy and Match Insights

As the Women's T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan approaches, a handshake controversy has sparked discussions among fans. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has clarified the team's stance on this issue, emphasizing their focus on cricket. With India holding a significant statistical advantage in T20 encounters, the team aims to maintain its winning record. Discover more about the match dynamics and the players' perspectives as they prepare for this high-stakes game at Edgbaston.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 13:47 IST

Handshake Controversy Ahead of the Big Match

As the highly anticipated Women's T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan approaches, a 'handshake controversy' has emerged as a hot topic among cricket fans. Scheduled for Sunday evening at Edgbaston, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has addressed the question of whether her team will engage in handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts.

Since the Men's Asia Cup last year, both Indian and Pakistani teams, across genders, have refrained from shaking hands after their matches. This trend was evident during various tournaments, including the U-19 World Cup and the Men's T20 World Cup. Consequently, a journalist inquired if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had issued any specific directives regarding this matter.

Focus on Cricket

Harmanpreet adeptly navigated the sensitive topic surrounding the handshake issue. She emphasized, "We are here only to play cricket. Our focus is solely on the game, and we do not dwell on anything else. Cricket has always been our dream, and we view tomorrow's match as just another regular game in our careers."

Acknowledging the unique pressure of facing Pakistan, she remarked, "As a cricket enthusiast, I have felt the intensity of India-Pakistan matches since my childhood. Now, being on the field, the pressure is even greater. However, we are fortunate to represent our country on such significant platforms, and we aim to embrace that pressure and give our best performance."

Statistical Advantage for India

Analyzing the current form and historical data, India stands out as the favorite in this matchup. The head-to-head statistics in T20 cricket heavily favor India, with the team winning 13 out of 16 encounters, while Pakistan has secured only 3 victories.

In the context of Women's T20 World Cup history, India boasts a commanding 6-2 advantage. Harmanpreet and her squad are eager to uphold this winning streak and commence their World Cup journey with a triumph at Edgbaston.