Wahab Riaz reacts to India-Pakistan handshake snub after Women’s T20 World Cup clash

India Women comfortably defeated Pakistan Women in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston on June 14, but the absence of handshakes between the two teams drew attention. There was no handshake during the toss, and the players also did not exchange handshakes after the match.

When Pakistan coach Wahab Riaz was asked about the issue, he declined to comment on any controversy surrounding it. The reporter prefaced the question with an apology for bringing politics into a sporting discussion, but Riaz said he was unaware of the reason behind the lack of handshakes and added that it would not make a significant difference.

“I’m sorry to ask this, but we noticed there were no handshakes again today. What’s the relationship like between the players and the staff from the two different teams? Are you friendly behind the scenes, or is it just frosty?,” the reporter asked as quoted by NDTV Sports.

“See, I don’t know. I just left cricket way before, so I don’t know the reason for not shaking hands. But I think if things want to move like this, let’s go like that. It won’t make a big difference,” said Riaz.

On the field, it was a dominant performance from India Women. Led by a sensational five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, India bowled out Pakistan for 106 to begin their latest quest for a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title in emphatic fashion. Defending 170, India secured a comprehensive 64-run victory in front of a heavily partisan sell-out crowd of 18,814 at Edgbaston, a record attendance for a Women’s T20 World Cup group-stage match.

Pakistan’s chase started promisingly, but India gradually tightened their grip on the contest. Deepti struck twice early before Pakistan’s hopes rested on Muneeba Ali, who survived two dropped chances and reached 41. However, she was run out in the 11th over by a brilliant direct hit from backward point, shifting momentum decisively in India’s favour.

When Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was dismissed in the following over with the score at 77 for 5, the innings quickly unravelled. Deepti then wrapped up the tail, claiming the final three wickets in the space of five balls to finish with remarkable figures of 5 for 10.

The performance also saw Deepti become the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 cricket with 166 wickets. Shree Charani provided excellent support with figures of 3 for 21 as India sealed a memorable opening win.

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