Harmanpreet Kaur sidesteps handshake debate ahead of India-Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup clash

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur refused to be drawn into questions about a potential handshake with Pakistan players ahead of their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener, insisting that her team’s focus remains solely on cricket.

India begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, with the customary pre-match and post-match greetings once again under scrutiny amid strained political relations between the two countries.

Since last year’s Asia Cup, Indian men’s and women’s teams have largely avoided handshakes with Pakistan players, a trend that has continued across several ICC and Asian Cricket Council tournaments. The same approach is expected during the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Asked on the eve of the match whether there had been any communication from the BCCI regarding handshakes, Harmanpreet declined to engage with the issue.

“We are here for cricket and we only talk about cricket. Except for cricket, we don’t talk about anything, and I don’t think about anything except cricket,” Harmanpreet told reporters.

“For tomorrow’s game, we are thinking of it as just another match we are going to play.”

Pressure inevitable in India-Pakistan clashes

While India enter the contest as clear favourites, Harmanpreet acknowledged that matches against Pakistan always carry extra pressure.

“Definitely pressure is going to be there. Whenever we play against Pakistan, there is pressure. But it’s about how we enjoy that pressure because in any international game, pressure is going to be there,” she said.

“It’s only about giving your 100 per cent and enjoying each and every moment.”

India have dominated the rivalry in women’s T20 internationals, winning 13 of the 16 matches played between the two sides. They also hold a 6-2 advantage in Women’s T20 World Cup encounters.

Despite the impressive record, Harmanpreet stressed that her team is treating the fixture like any other international match.

“I won’t say there’s no pressure. There is pressure. Since I started watching cricket as a supporter, I have felt that pressure, and now that we play, it’s even more,” she said.

“But we are the lucky ones who have been picked for this big occasion, and we just want to enjoy ourselves on the field.”

India are placed in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Pakistan and the Netherlands as they seek to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note.