Harmanpreet Kaur Addresses Handshake Question Ahead of India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash
Published June 14, 2026
India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur has responded to queries regarding a potential ceremonial handshake with Pakistan ahead of their Women's T20 World Cup match, emphasizing the team's focus solely on cricket.
Published — local time around the world
As anticipation builds for another high-stakes encounter between India and Pakistan in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, attention has once again turned to the pre-match traditions, specifically the ceremonial handshake. Following a previous instance in the 2025 Asia Cup where the Indian team reportedly did not engage in a handshake with their Pakistani counterparts, questions arose about whether this practice would be observed in the upcoming fixture at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Addressing reporters ahead of Sunday's crucial match, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was asked directly about the possibility of a handshake. Opting to sidestep any potential controversy, Kaur maintained a clear focus on the sporting aspect of the event. She conveyed that the team's sole purpose in England is for cricket, and their discussions and thoughts are entirely centered around the game itself.
Kaur reiterated that cricket has been the team's passion from the outset, and they approach every game with the same dedication. Her remarks underscore a desire to keep the focus strictly on the competition on the field, treating the India-Pakistan clash as another significant match in their World Cup campaign. The 2026 Women's T20 World Cup continues to deliver thrilling contests, showcasing the best of international women's cricket.