Tensions flared off the field ahead of the much-anticipated Women’s World Cup clash between India and Pakistan in Colombo on October 5. During India’s pre-match press conference, a Pakistani journalist attempted to ask a question about the recent Asia Cup controversy, only to be blocked by the Indian team’s media manager.
The controversy dates back to the Asia Cup final, where India defeated Pakistan. Post-match, Indian players refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, citing a conflict of interest due to his dual role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and ACC President. The incident sparked widespread debate, with images of the trophy being removed without a formal presentation circulating widely.
Ahead of the World Cup encounter, journalists sought clarity on whether the Asia Cup tensions might affect the teams’ mindset. The Pakistani reporter initially directed the question to India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, but she was unavailable, so the query was redirected to bowling coach Avishkar Salvi. The journalist highlighted the generally cordial interactions between the women’s teams in the lead-up to the tournament and asked if residual bitterness from the Asia Cup might carry over.
Before Salvi could respond, the Indian media manager intervened firmly. “We said that we’re not taking that first question, so we’ll move on to the second question,” he stated, effectively shutting down any discussion on the Asia Cup controversy. The exchange was brief but tense, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding India-Pakistan cricket relations and the careful management of media narratives by the Indian camp.
This incident reflects the ongoing challenge of separating on-field competition from off-field politics. The Asia Cup episode remains fresh in the minds of players, officials, and fans alike, and even though the women’s teams have emphasized professionalism, external pressures continue to influence the narrative.
Despite the off-field drama, both teams have reiterated that the focus remains on cricket. India and Pakistan have promised to approach the match with a competitive spirit, concentrating on their game plans rather than political controversies. Coaches and senior players have encouraged their teams to treat the contest as any other World Cup fixture, prioritizing performance and teamwork.
With the match day approaching, all eyes are on how the players handle both the pressure of a high-stakes rivalry and the lingering off-field tensions. While the media drama may dominate headlines, the teams know that their ultimate task is to perform on the field. The Colombo encounter promises to be intense, not just for the cricket but for the larger narrative surrounding this historic rivalry.
In the end, the press conference incident was a reminder that in India-Pakistan contests, every word and action off the field is scrutinized just as closely as every run and wicket on it. The real test, however, lies in how the players channel this tension into their performance on the day.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025