Pre-match press conference sees diplomatic tensions resurface
Tensions between India and Pakistan that dominated the recent men’s Asia Cup have now echoed into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Ahead of the high-profile match between Harmanpreet Kaur’s India and Fatima Sana’s Pakistan, the official pre-match press conference in Colombo became the center of controversy when a Pakistani journalist’s question linking the men’s tournament to the women’s game was shut down by the Indian team’s media manager.
The incident occurred on the eve of the two sides’ round-robin encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium. It followed a series of politically charged moments during the men’s Asia Cup, including India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players and their decision not to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Asia Cup controversies cast long shadows
The recent Asia Cup was marred by off-field disputes and growing diplomatic friction. Indian players notably refrained from post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts in all three fixtures, a symbolic gesture in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. That tournament ended in further discord, as India refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi following their win in the final. In response, Naqvi left the venue with the silverware, sparking another round of criticism and media attention.
With the Asia Cup tensions still fresh, questions arose over whether the acrimony would carry into the women’s fixture.
Media exchange draws the line between sport and politics
During India’s pre-match media interaction, bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi was addressing the press when Dawn journalist Abyan Amir attempted to bring up the fallout from the Asia Cup.
“I had a question for the Indian captain, but since you’re here, I’ll ask you instead. We’ve seen that the women’s teams of both Pakistan and India share good camaraderie, at least leading up to this World Cup. So, do you think the bitterness from the Asia Cup might carry over to the women’s teams as well?” Amir asked.
The Indian team’s media manager immediately intervened to stop the line of questioning.
“Hi, just a reminder — we said we wouldn’t be taking that first question, so let’s move on to the next one,” she said.
No further comment was offered, and the press conference continued with questions focused strictly on cricketing matters.
Political undertones loom over women’s fixture
The two women’s teams have historically maintained respectful relations, with none of the open hostility that has occasionally surfaced in the men’s game. However, at Sunday’s India-Pakistan match the Indian women’s team reported chosen not to engage in handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts in this edition of the World Cup — a continuation of the stance taken during the men’s tournament.
