The Pakistan women’s cricket team is preparing for more than just cricket when they face India in Colombo on 5 October. According to sources, team management expects India to continue their “no handshake” policy, mirroring the stance taken by the men’s team during the recent Asia Cup.
India’s men had avoided shaking hands with Pakistan players in all three Asia Cup encounters and even refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. The gesture, or lack of it, followed a sharp military flare-up in May that further strained bilateral ties.
Pakistan team manager Hina Munawar has taken guidelines from the PCB on what the players’ stance should be, as they expect the Indian women to repeat the same policy.
A Pioneering Manager At The Helm
Hina Munawar, a police officer by profession, made history earlier this year by becoming the first woman to manage the Pakistan men’s side during the Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy. Now, as manager of the women’s team, she finds herself navigating the delicate balance between sport and geopolitics.
Pakistan’s World Cup Challenge Begins
Pakistan will open their campaign against Bangladesh on 2 October at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with skipper Fatima Sana confident of a strong start.
Pakistan enter the World Cup on the back of an impressive Qualifier campaign in Lahore earlier this year, where they won all five matches, including a crucial victory against Bangladesh.
All of Pakistan’s group matches, the semi-final on 29 October and the final on 2 November will be played in Colombo, in line with an agreement that India and Pakistan will only meet on neutral venues when co-hosting ICC events.
Optimism Against Bangladesh
Pakistan hold a slender edge over Bangladesh in head-to-head ODI encounters, with eight wins and seven losses from 16 matches, plus one tie. Their only previous World Cup meeting came in 2022, when Bangladesh pulled off a narrow nine-run victory despite a century from Sidra Amin.
Captain Fatima Sana is eager to reverse that result.
It will be important to have a winning start to the event. Our preparations have been focused and purposeful. The Qualifiers gave us momentum, and the warm-up against South Africa helped us test combinations despite the washout against Sri Lanka.
“Wearing Pakistan’s Shirt Is An Honour”
Sana emphasised the players’ commitment to training and their hunger to seize the big stage.
“The conditions in Colombo are similar to back home, which has helped us adjust quickly. While there is always room to improve, I am pleased with how the squad has responded. The World Cup is the biggest stage, and consistency, discipline and teamwork will be key.
Wearing the Pakistan shirt is an honour and every player understands the responsibility. Our aim is to play positive cricket, rise to the big moments and make Pakistan proud, InshaAllah.”
