India vs Pakistan: Wahab Riaz Responds to Handshake Controversy After Women’s T20 World Cup Defeat

Pakistan head coach Wahab Riaz dismissed questions surrounding the absence of post-match handshakes between India and Pakistan players after his side suffered a heavy defeat in their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Edgbaston.

The issue once again came under the spotlight during Sunday’s Group 1 clash, where India registered a commanding 64-run victory over their arch-rivals. As has been the case since the Asia Cup in 2025, players from the two teams did not engage in the customary handshakes before or after the match.

Even at the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana completed the formalities without exchanging pleasantries, continuing a trend that has become increasingly noticeable whenever the two sides meet on the international stage.

Addressing the matter during the post-match press conference, Wahab admitted he was unaware of the exact reasons behind the situation but insisted it was not something that concerned him.

“I don’t know the reason for not shaking hands,” Wahab said. “I left cricket quite some time ago, so I don’t know why it is happening. But if things want to move like this, then let them move like this. It won’t make a big difference.”

The comments echoed a similar stance taken by Harmanpreet Kaur before the tournament, when the India captain declined to be drawn into discussions surrounding the issue and insisted her team’s focus remained solely on cricket.

India Dominates Pakistan in Birmingham

While the handshake debate generated headlines, the contest itself was largely one-way traffic.

India posted a challenging total before bowling Pakistan out for 106 in reply, securing a comprehensive 64-run victory to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note.

Smriti Mandhana provided the platform with the bat, while Richa Ghosh’s finishing touches helped India push beyond the 170-run mark. The standout performer, however, was Deepti Sharma, whose sensational five-wicket haul dismantled Pakistan’s chase and earned her the Player of the Match award.

Pakistan struggled to build partnerships throughout the innings and were eventually bundled out well short of the target.

Wahab Points to Key Turning Point

Reflecting on the defeat, Wahab felt Pakistan allowed India to gain momentum during the closing stages of their innings.

“I think we gave away around 15 to 20 extra runs,” he said. “Having another fielder inside the circle during the last two overs made a difference. With only three fielders allowed on the boundary, India got the momentum they needed.”

Despite the margin of defeat, the Pakistan coach attempted to take positives from the performance, highlighting the effort shown by his players in difficult circumstances.

“There are a few positives,” Wahab said. “The fight they showed with the ball and then with the bat gives us something to build on. We know these matches are always about handling pressure and nerves.”

“We are working hard on that aspect. The players are trying their level best. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Unfortunately, we were on the losing side today.”

Focus Shifts to Recovery

The result leaves Pakistan with work to do in a highly competitive Group 1, while India strengthened their credentials as one of the tournament favourites with a dominant opening display.

For Pakistan, attention will now turn to regrouping quickly and addressing the shortcomings exposed by India, both with the bat and in the field.

As for the handshake debate, Wahab Riaz made it clear where he stands.

Whether the tradition returns in future India-Pakistan contests remains uncertain, but according to Pakistan’s coach, it is unlikely to have any bearing on what happens where it matters most – on the cricket field.