‘If things want to move…’: Pakistan women’s coach breaks silence after IND-PAK handshake

NEW DELHI: The Indian women’s cricket team continued their ‘no handshake’ policy in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Sunday. At the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana did not shake hands, continuing the trend that has been followed in recent cricket encounters between India and Pakistan.After India recorded a convincing 64-run victory over Pakistan, Pakistan head coach Wahab Riaz was asked about the absence of handshakes during the post-match press conference.“I’m sorry to ask, but we noticed that there were no handshakes again today. How is the relationship between the players and staff from the two different teams? Are you friendly behind the scenes or is it just frosty?” the reporter asked Riaz.The former Pakistan fast bowler, who represented his country in 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is, replied:“See, I don’t know. I’ve just retired from cricket before, so I don’t know why I didn’t shake hands. But I think if things want to move like this, let’s go like this. It won’t make a big difference.”

India vs. Pakistan’s “no handshake” policy.

The ‘no handshake’ approach between the Indian and Pakistani teams has been in place since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor by the Indian armed forces last year.The practice was first noticed prominently when former India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided a handshake during the Asia Cup in Dubai. Since then, Indian teams have largely maintained the policy during the draw and after the matches against Pakistan.A similar scene was witnessed earlier this year during the Women’s ODI World Cup match in Colombo where Harmanpreet and Fatima also did not shake hands.Speaking on the eve of India’s T20 World Cup opener, Harmanpreet kept his focus firmly on cricket.“I think we are here for cricket and we only talk about cricket, except we don’t talk about anything. Cricket is our dream since day one and we only discuss about cricket and tomorrow’s match,” said Harmanpreet.India are in Group A alongside Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Netherlands and South Africa. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side next face the Netherlands on June 17 at Headingley, Leeds.