The upcoming India versus Pakistan clash at the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai has brought the handshake debate back into focus. With the two teams preparing to meet in another high-profile international fixture, attention has once again turned towards the question whether the traditional pre-match and post-match handshakes will take place.
The issue has become a familiar part of recent meetings between the two countries. The India vs Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash is therefore expected to attract attention both for what happens on the cricket field and for how the teams approach customary greetings.
How the Handshake Debate Started
The current stance around handshakes emerged during the Men’s Asia Cup in 2025. India’s men’s T20 captain did not shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart during the toss or post-match proceedings.
The approach subsequently extended to women’s cricket. During the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 group match in Colombo, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana did not exchange handshakes.
The same pattern was later seen in several age group competitions, including the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, Rising Stars Asia Cup and Under-19 World Cup. The issue also returned during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, when the two captains did not exchange the traditional handshake at the toss at Edgbaston.
Harmanpreet Kaur Keeps Focus on Cricket
The India – Pakistan handshake controversy has repeatedly created discussion away from the cricket itself. However, India’s players and team management have generally avoided getting drawn into the wider diplomatic debate.
Harmanpreet Kaur has previously stressed that the team is focused on cricket. She has maintained that India are there to play cricket and do not want to discuss matters outside the sport.
The India captain has also acknowledged that matches against Pakistan bring a different level of pressure. The rivalry carries significant emotional and psychological weight, making it important for players to remain focused on their performances rather than events surrounding the match.
What to Expect in Dubai
The IND-W vs PAK-W Asia Cup fixture will once again raise questions about whether the teams will follow the recent approach. A handshake at the toss has traditionally been considered a basic part of cricket’s sporting etiquette, but recent India – Pakistan fixtures have shown that the practice can become a bigger talking point.
The focus will ultimately remain on the contest itself, with both teams competing for important points in the tournament. The result could have a major impact on the teams’ positions and momentum during the competition.
Cricket Etiquette Versus National Sentiment
The debate has two very different sides. Supporters of the stance believe it reflects national sentiment and sends a clear message about cross border relations. They argue that sporting events should not necessarily create an appearance of normal relations when tensions between the countries remain high.
Critics, meanwhile, believe that cricket should preserve basic sporting etiquette and the traditional spirit of the game. They argue that teams competing under international cricket structures can maintain respect and sportsmanship even when political relations are difficult.
The latest India vs Pakistan women cricket meeting is therefore about much more than another group stage match. While players will be focused on winning, the handshake question is likely to remain part of the conversation before the first ball is bowled.
