'We Are Here for Cricket': Harmanpreet on India-Pakistan Handshake Controversy Before World Cup Clash

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the team’s attention remains on cricket before India vs Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. The match will be played on Sunday evening at Edgbaston. The main off-field question concerns possible handshakes between players from both sides.

India begin their Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Pakistan as clear favourites. India hold a 13-3 lead over Pakistan in T20Is. In Women's T20 World Cup matches, India also lead 6-2. Still, Harmanpreet said pressure remains part of this fixture.

India vs Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup 2026 handshake question

The handshake issue has stayed in focus since last year's Men's Asia Cup. Since then, Indian men's and women's teams have avoided the usual post-match handshakes with Pakistan. The same pattern appeared in the Women's World Cup, U19 World Cup, Rising Stars Asia Cup, and Men's T20 World Cup.

On the eve of the Edgbaston match, Harmanpreet was asked about possible handshakes. Reporters also asked whether the BCCI had sent any message on the matter. The India captain did not discuss board instructions. Instead, Harmanpreet kept the focus on the match itself.

"Well, I think we are here for cricket, and we only talk about cricket; except for cricket, we don't talk about anything, and I don't even think about anything except cricket. Cricket has been our dream from day one, and we only talk about it. For tomorrow's game, we are thinking of it as just another game we are going to play," Harmanpreet told reporters.

India vs Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup 2026 pressure and record

Matches between India and Pakistan often carry extra public attention. That has remained true across men's and women's cricket. Harmanpreet accepted that pressure would exist in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 opener. However, the captain said the players must handle it through effort and calm.

"Definitely pressure is going to be there, which I earlier agreed to that, whenever we play against Pakistan, pressure will be there, but at the same time it's only about how we are going to enjoy that pressure because in any International game, pressure is going to be there; it's only about giving your 100% in that game and enjoying every moment," she added.

India’s record gives the side a strong base before the Group match. Pakistan have beaten India three times in T20Is. India have won 13 matches in the format against them. In Women's T20 World Cups, India have won six of eight meetings.

The numbers place India ahead before the contest. Recent form also supports India’s position as favourites. Yet the team is expected to face a tense start. The rivalry usually brings heavy attention, even when players try to treat it as another match.

India vs Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Edgbaston

Harmanpreet said pressure around this fixture was not new for the team. The captain said that feeling existed even while watching cricket as a supporter. The current players, according to Harmanpreet, must value their chance to play on such a stage.

"I won't say there's no pressure; there is pressure. Since I started watching cricket as a supporter, I have felt that pressure, and now that we play, it's even more. But at the same time, we always say that the more we enjoy this game, the better it is for us, because we are the lucky ones who are picked for this big occasion, and we just want to enjoy ourselves on the field," said Harmanpreet.

The opening game gives India an early test in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. It also brings the handshake matter back into public view. Harmanpreet’s comments made clear that India’s stated focus remains cricket, performance, and handling pressure at Edgbaston.