After Team India's Asia Cup handshake snub, focus shifts to the women's team as the ICC ODI 50-over World Cup clash between India vs Pakistan will take place on Sunday, October 05, in Colombo. Notably, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side declined to shake hands with their arch-rivals three times in as many matches in the Continental Cup, sparking widespread debate. Not only that, the Indian team also refused to take the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) & Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
However, with this being an ICC event, there are protocols in place as the teams greet during the toss and indulge in a customary handshake after the match is over. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed questions about whether the Indian women's team will follow the footsteps of the men's team.
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"I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with the particular hostile country is the same; there is no change in the last week," Saikia told the BBC, stumped.
"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, that will be done. Whether there will be handshakes, whether there will be hugging, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment."
India starts as overwhelming favorites to win marquee clash against Pakistan
For the unversed, Pakistan were off to an inauspicious start in the Women's World Cup as they were thrashed by Bangladesh by seven wickets. In the showpiece event, they also don't have favorable record against India as they have never won any match. With history strongly behind India the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, India starts this match against the runaway favorites.
They are also coming off a convincing 59-run victory against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Women's World Cup on September 30.
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