In a notable development, the India A and Pakistan A teams opted for no handshakes during the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars match in 2026. This event took place in Thailand and is indicative of ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Match Context
The match is set against a backdrop of heightened political sensitivity. Recent events have influenced sportsmanship behavior among cricket teams from India and Pakistan.
Recent Trends in India-Pakistan Matches
- In February 2026, prior to a men’s U-19 Asia Cup final, Indian teams also avoided handshakes.
- This pattern continued in the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year, where handshakes were neglected in all three matches.
- The Indian women’s team abstained from handshakes at the Women’s World Cup 2025.
Tensions and Events Impacting Sports
The reluctance to shake hands is primarily attributed to political strains, which escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities. This incident led to increased scrutiny and resulted in the subsequent Operation Sindoor, intensifying existing tensions.
Team Performance Overview
- India A enters the match following a seven-wicket loss to the United Arab Emirates.
- Conversely, Pakistan A opened its campaign with a solid 30-run victory over Nepal.
- Pakistan A currently leads Group A, while India A holds the third position.
Competition Structure
The Women’s Asia Cup includes a group stage format, where the top two teams will progress to the semifinals. The results of the India A versus Pakistan A match may significantly influence their chances in the tournament.
