Follow UsThe handshake controversy between India and Pakistan that began in the Men’s Asia Cup in the UAE is set to continue in the Women’s ODI World Cup as well.
Indian and Pakistani women are to meet in Colombo on October 5, for the group stage game of the World Cup, and it seems that the tensions which began in Dubai after Indian men refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts in the first group game, will continue in the Women’s World Cup as well.
"I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same; there is no change in the last week," BCCI secretary Devijit Saikia told the BBC on the sidelines of the World Cup opening game in Guwahati.
Saikia further elaborated that no assurances can be made about what would happen in Colombo as far as the handshakes are concerned, and India will follow whatever is part of the MCC regulations.
"India will play that match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all cricket protocols will be followed. I can only assure that whatever is in the MCC regulations of cricket will be done.
"Whether there will be handshakes, whether there will be hugging, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment."
Notably, Pakistan have been allotted Colombo as their venue for the Women’s ODI World Cup after Indian men refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, and an understanding was made that both the arch rivals will only meet on neutral grounds.