India Women vs Pakistan Women: The much-anticipated clash between India Women and Pakistan Women at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium began with another notable moment before the first ball was bowled. Harmanpreet and Fatima walked out for the toss but did not shake hands, with the two captains maintaining a formal interaction before proceeding with the match proceedings.
WATCH: Harmanpreet Kaur, Fatima Sana Skip Handshake at Toss
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first in Asia Cup. No handshake between captains. #INDvsPAKpic.twitter.com/HPZXfdLCmH
— Rosesh (@roseshpoet) September 5, 2026
The handshake was absent when Harmanpreet and Fatima met for the toss in Dubai. The moment immediately attracted attention as India and Pakistan continue to avoid the traditional pre-match and post-match handshake during their cricket encounters.
The development comes after the two teams also refrained from shaking hands when they faced each other earlier this year at the Women’s T20 World Cup. The latest incident indicates that the practice has continued into the Women’s Asia Cup.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has witnessed several such instances over the past year amid heightened tensions between the two countries. The teams have continued to fulfil their sporting commitments on the field, although the customary handshake has been missing from their meetings.
India vs Pakistan Handshake Tradition Continues
The recent history of India-Pakistan cricket has seen the handshake being omitted across several international fixtures involving both men’s and women’s teams.
The trend gained significant attention during the men’s Asia Cup last year, when India and Pakistan did not exchange handshakes. Similar scenes were subsequently witnessed in other meetings between the two sides.
The practice later extended to women’s cricket, with the Indian and Pakistani teams avoiding the gesture during their encounters. The latest toss in Dubai has now added another chapter to the ongoing handshake discussion.
However, the absence of a handshake does not prevent the teams from competing against each other. Both sides continue to participate in official matches while maintaining the required match-day protocols.
🚨 Toss and Playing XI Update #TeamIndia will bowl first and here’s our line-up for the match 🔽
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/1WHHWPMe2o#WomensAsiaCup pic.twitter.com/69Jmw9YgUu
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) September 5, 2026
Harmanpreet Kaur Leads India Against Pakistan
Harmanpreet Kaur is leading India in the crucial Women’s Asia Cup 2026 encounter against Pakistan. The veteran Indian batter has been one of the most experienced players in the squad and brings considerable international experience into the high-profile fixture.
Pakistan, meanwhile, are led by Fatima Sana, who has emerged as an important figure in the side. The two captains completed the toss without shaking hands before turning their attention towards the cricket.
The toss was won by Pakistan, with Fatima Sana choosing to bowl first. India will therefore look to make the most of their opportunity with the bat before attempting to defend their total against their arch-rivals.
