COLOMBO, Oct. 6 -- The political frost between India and Pakistan once again seeped into the cricket field on Sunday, when India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana skipped the customary handshake ahead of their Women's World Cup match in Colombo.

The incident unfolded at the toss, where the two captains appeared to barely acknowledge each other's presence, reflecting the souring diplomatic and sporting ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply since the May military clashes, which nearly escalated into a full-fledged conflict. The tensions have already impacted the men's Asia Cup, where Indian players refused handshakes and avoided ceremonial inte...