Outside noise doesn’t matter: Fatima Sana | The Express Tribune

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana insists her team will remain unfazed by the political undertones surrounding their Women’s World Cup clash against India in Colombo on Sunday, saying their focus will stay firmly on cricket.

The high-voltage fixture comes barely a week after the men’s Asia Cup, where Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after all three matches.

The post-final ceremony too was marked by tension, as India declined to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.

The strained atmosphere follows a military conflict between the two countries in May, which plunged diplomatic relations to a new low.

‘We will focus on cricket, not outside noise’

Responding to questions about the possibility of a handshake boycott in Sunday’s encounter, Sana remained composed.

Sources told Telecom Asia Sports that Pakistan’s team management has advised players to offer handshakes if reciprocated, but not to insist should the Indian team decline.

Sana acknowledged that her players are mentally prepared for any situation after observing the events at the men’s Asia Cup.

“We saw what happened in the Asia Cup, so we are ready for everything,” she said.

India Dominant In Head-To-Head Record

On paper, India holds a commanding edge. The two teams have met 11 times in ODIs, with the Women in Blue winning on all occasions. Their last meeting came in the 2022 World Cup, when India thrashed Pakistan by 107 runs at Mount Maunganui.

Like in the men’s game, the arch-rivals only meet in multinational tournaments, with bilateral series off the table due to political tensions.

Despite the history, Sana remains optimistic.

“We have that power game that can give us a win against any team in the tournament,” she said. “We lost our first game, but it’s the beginning of the event. We’ll stage a comeback.”

Memories of warmth and friendship

Amid the growing frost in cricketing ties, Sana fondly recalled the camaraderie between the two sides during the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, when several Indian players were seen playing with then Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof’s toddler, Fatima.

“Those were great pictures from the past — everyone mingling around Bismah’s daughter. Those scenes looked good, and everyone enjoyed seeing that,” Sana said. “But our focus now is on what we’re here for — to play.”

Bismah Maroof: ‘Traditions of friendship must live on’

Former Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof, who retired last year after an 18-year international career, urged both teams to uphold the spirit of the game despite political differences.

“I recall with great cherish how Indian players mingled with my daughter in 2022,” Maroof told a Pakistani channel.

“I know things have changed, but traditions don’t change. Our culture values friendship and hospitality, and I hope both teams keep those traditions alive.”