Colombo, Oct. 5 -- In a confusing start to the India-Pakistan encounter in the 2025 Women's World Cup here, the toss was marred by a miscommunication, and, following a trend seen in men's cricket, the two captains did not shake hands.

As ever with India-Pakistan clashes, the subtext was almost as compelling as the cricket itself. The "handshake row" that dogged the men's team has now followed the women. While Deepti Sharma and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur avoided giving a categorical answer ahead of the tournament, the BCCI has hinted that the no-handshake stance may extend to the women as well.

During the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur flipped the coin while Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana called 'tails'. Match referee Shandre Fritz and a...