New Delhi – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) addressed growing speculation on 2024/02/15 regarding potential future matches between the Indian and Pakistani womenS cricket teams,following a controversial handshake incident at the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The incident,occurring after India’s victory over Pakistan on 2024/02/12 in Cape Town,South Africa,involved some Indian players appearing to forgo traditional handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts.
The exchange has ignited debate about diplomatic relations and sporting protocols, raising questions about whether the BCCI will continue to avoid scheduling matches with Pakistan in upcoming tournaments, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The situation impacts not only the competitive landscape of women’s cricket but also broader India-Pakistan relations, where sporting encounters often carry significant political weight. The BCCI’s response will set a precedent for future interactions and potentially influence the scheduling of matches in international competitions.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated on 2024/02/15 that the board will “review the situation” and “take appropriate steps” based on the findings. He emphasized the BCCI’s commitment to upholding the spirit of cricket while also prioritizing the safety and well-being of the Indian team. “The BCCI doesn’t want to take any decision in haste,” Shah said, adding that a formal decision regarding future matches will be made after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The handshake snub followed heightened tensions between the two nations, and reports suggest the Indian team’s decision was a response to perceived provocative celebrations by the Pakistani team during the match.While the BCCI has not officially confirmed this as the reason, sources within the board indicated that player concerns were a key factor.
India and Pakistan have a complex history in cricket, with political disputes frequently impacting bilateral series. The last bilateral series between the two women’s teams was played in 2014. Despite the political climate, both teams continue to compete against each other in ICC tournaments, but the recent incident has cast a shadow over their future encounters. The ICC has yet to issue a statement on the matter.