The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained its hardline stance ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup, once again bringing politics into cricket after the recent Asia Cup dispute.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that India’s policy toward Pakistan remains unchanged. While the team will compete against Pakistan under MCC regulations, he noted that handshakes or customary greetings between players cannot be assured.
In response, PCB Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi remarked, “If they want the trophy, the Indian captain should come and take it from me directly.”
The Pakistan–India women’s World Cup clash is set for October 5. Reports from Indian media suggest the Indian women’s side also intends to avoid handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts.
Earlier, a similar controversy unfolded during the Asia Cup when Indian players refused handshakes and later declined to accept the trophy from the ACC Chairman following their victory.
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