New Delhi – The โคBoard of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) addressedโ growing speculation on 2024/02/15 regarding potential future matches betweenโฃ 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 โin Cape Town,South Africa,involved some Indian players appearing to forgo traditional handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts.
The exchange has ignited debateโฃ about diplomatic relations and sporting protocols, raising questions about whether the BCCI will โขcontinue to avoid scheduling matches with Pakistan in upcoming tournaments, including the ICC Women’s Cricket โฃWorld Cup. The situation impacts not only the competitive landscape of โคwomen’s cricket but alsoโ broader โฃIndia-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 โขmatchesโ in international competitions.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated on 2024/02/15 that the board willโค “review โthe situation” and “take appropriate steps” based on the findings. He emphasized the BCCI’s commitment to โupholding 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 futureโฃ matches will be made after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The handshake snub followed heightened tensions between the two โnations, and โreports suggest the Indian team’s decision โwas 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.
Indiaโ 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 ICCโ has yetโฃ to issue a statement on the matter.