Pakistan head coach breaks silence on no-handshake moment with India in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match

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The historic rivalry between India and Pakistan added another intense chapter on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as the two sides clashed in the 6th Match of Group 1 at the Women’s T20 World Cup. Staged at the iconic Edgbaston stadium in Birmingham, the high-stakes encounter drew a massive, sell-out crowd of 18,814 spectators, setting a new record attendance for a World Cup group match. While the action on the field kept fans on the edge of their seats, it was a striking post-match moment that ignited widespread conversation across the cricketing world.

Despite the electric atmosphere and fierce competition, observers quickly noticed a glaring absence of traditional sportsmanship gestures. From the coin toss to the final wickets, no handshakes were exchanged between the Indian and Pakistani players. The cold dynamic prompted intense scrutiny during the post-match press conference, where Pakistan’s head coach, Wahab Riaz, was directly questioned about the seemingly frosty relationship between the two teams behind the scenes.

A reporter, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the topic, apologized for introducing a political angle into a sporting event before asking Riaz whether the players and support staff maintain a friendly or distant rapport out of the public eye.

Riaz, however, firmly downplayed the situation and refused to stoke the fires of controversy. “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,” the former Pakistan fast bowler responded. His dismissive stance signaled a desire to keep the focus strictly on the game itself, rather than bilateral political tensions that often spill over into sporting arenas.

Also WATCH: No handshake streak continues as Harmanpreet Kaur avoids greeting Fatima Sana in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash

On the pitch, the match belonged entirely to India’s veteran spinner, Deepti Sharma, who delivered a masterclass in modern T20 bowling. India posted a commanding total of 170 runs, leaving Pakistan with a daunting chase. Although Pakistan’s response started with brief promise, the wheels quickly came off under relentless pressure from the Indian bowling attack.

The turning point arrived in the 11th over when Deepti produced a moment of magic on the field. Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali, who had been dropped twice, looked dangerous on 41 before Deepti executed a brilliant direct hit on the run from backward point to run her out. When Pakistan captain Fatima Sana fell shortly after, leaving her side at 77-5, the chase completely derailed.

Deepti then ripped through the tail, taking the final three wickets in just five balls to finish with extraordinary figures of 5-10. This phenomenal spell officially made her the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20 international history with 166 scalps. Supported by Shree Charani‘s clinical 3-21, India bowled Pakistan out for 106, sealing a comprehensive 64-run victory to kickstart their quest for a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.

Also READ: Deepti Sharma breaks world record with historic spell in IND vs PAK Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.