Women’s T20 World Cup: I don’t know what is the reason behind no handshake, says Pakistani coach Wahab Riaz

Before and after every cricket match between India and Pakistan, one thing is certain: a question about handshakes. Ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup match on Sunday (June 14, 2026), Harmanpreet Kaur faced this query, as did Deepti Sharma after India’s comprehensive win.

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Pakistani national team coach Wahab Riaz was also asked about the absence of handshakes. He said: “I don’t know what the reason is for not shaking hands.” “But if things are going to be this way, let it be that way. It won’t make much difference.”

He admitted that Pakistan could not take advantage of the opportunities that were available to his team. “We went really well in the PowerPlay but needed to score seven or eight runs over the next three or four overs without losing a wicket,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we lost five wickets in a row. In a T20 match, it is very difficult to come back after that.”

He took umbrage with the bowlers who conceded too many runs to India at the death overs. “Giving up runs in the last two games cost us the game,” Wahab said. “Richa Ghosh got the opportunity and made the most of it. In T20 cricket, you have to win the PowerPlay and the last four overs. I think they are the most important phases of the game.”

The coach stressed that there were positives in the match. “The way they fought with the ball and the glimpses we showed with the bat,” he said. “We just need to make fewer mistakes, believe in ourselves and play more positive cricket.”