![Harmanpreet Kaur breaks silence on IND-PAK handshake row [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781411895001_HarmanpreetKaurbreakssilenceonIND-PAKhandshakerow.jpg?type=hq)
Harmanpreet Kaur breaks silence on IND-PAK handshake row [Source: AFP]
Yet another India vs Pakistan game is upon us as the two Asian rivals will lock horns with each other in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match on Sunday. This would be their opening match of the tournament, and neither can afford to lose the high-octane contest.
Over the years, the matches between the two sides have been in India’s favour, as the Women in Blue have dominated the proceedings, and the Pakistan team will be eager to turn their fortunes on Sunday evening.
With the rivals facing each other in the T20 World Cup clash, the handshake question once again popped up, as Harmanpreet Kaur faced the tough question during the pre-game press conference.
What is the handshake row between India and Pakistan
Ever since the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, the Indian team has not shaken hands with the Pakistan side (both men’s and women’s). The initiative was started by the Suryakumar Yadav-led team at the Asia Cup 2025, and the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Women’s team continued the trend at the 50-over World Cup last year.
The decision has drawn criticism from Pakistan, as its top political leaders have criticised India’s stance. Moreover, Pakistan also filed an official complaint against India during the Asia Cup 2025, and the same could happen in the upcoming T20 World Cup match.
Harmanpreet Kaur breaks silence on shaking hands with Pakistan players
Ahead of the riveting and a must-win fixture for both sides, the Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, was asked whether they would shake hands with their opponent on Sunday, and the team captain finally broke her silence.
Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur's Record Vs Pakistan Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026
“Well, I think we are here for cricket, and we only talk about cricket; except for cricket, we don't talk about anything, and I don't even think about anything except cricket. Cricket has been our dream from day one, and we only talk about it. For tomorrow's game, we are thinking of it as just another game we are going to play,” Harmanpreet said during the pre-game presser.
“Definitely pressure is going to be there, which I earlier agreed to that, whenever we play against Pakistan, pressure will be there — but at the same time it's only about how we are going to enjoy that pressure because in any International game, pressure is going to be there; it's only about giving your 100% in that game and enjoying each and every moment,” she added.
India's domination against Pakistan in T20Is
Just like their ODI domination over Pakistan, Team India has dominated the proceedings in the T20Is as well against the Pakistan team.
Player to player, and in terms of skillset, Pakistan lags behind India, and their head-to-head record showcases the reality.
The two sides have faced each other 16 times in the T20I format, and India have clearly been the better side, winning 13 games out of 16. The Women in Green have only tasted success in three matches, as India have been miles clear in the head-to-head record.
Also Read: Edgbaston, Birmingham Pitch Report, Weather Report For IND-W vs PAK-W, Women's T20 World Cup 2026
