"We don't focus on it" — Amol Muzumdar finally breaks silence on India-Pakistan handshake debate ahead of Asia Cup clash

India Women's head coach Amol Muzumdar has finally addressed the ongoing discussion around the handshake protocol ahead of the team's Women's Asia Cup 2026 campaign. However, he made it clear that the team is currently focused on cricket rather than off-field debates.

India will begin their campaign against Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today, August 30. With India and Pakistan placed in the same group, attention has already shifted to the much-anticipated clash between the two teams on September 5.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Muzumdar refused to be drawn into the handshake debate. He said, "We don't focus on it," adding that the team is concentrating on its opening match against Thailand and will deal with other matters when the Pakistan game arrives.

India Women's coach dodges handshake question, shifts focus to Thailand opener first

Amol Muzumdar has refused to be drawn into questions about the handshake protocol ahead of India Women's Asia Cup clash against Pakistan. The head coach said the team is focused on playing good cricket and not on off-field matters.

“We try to play the best cricket on the ground, and off-the-field stuff, we don't focus on it. We try to play the best cricket that we know on that particular day,” Muzumdar said at the pre-match press conference.

See also -Watch: 'Main focus is playing cricket' — Harmanpreet Kaur opens up on her handshake with Fatima Sana ahead of Women's Asia Cup 2026

Muzumdar added that the team will discuss the matter when they face Pakistan on September 5. “We will speak about this when we play that game. But at the moment, we are focusing on tomorrow's game. One game at a time,” he said.

Will BCCI's no-handshake policy continue vs Pakistan on September 5? Muzumdar responds

The no-handshake stance between India and Pakistan has continued across several international tournaments since the 2025 Men's Asia Cup. The Indian women's team also followed the same protocol during their Women's ODI World Cup clash in October 2025 and their Women's T20 World Cup meeting in June 2026.

With India set to face Pakistan in the Women's Asia Cup on September 5, fans are once again wondering whether the no-handshake policy will continue. Muzumdar has not revealed what the team will do during the Pakistan game, keeping the focus on cricket instead.

See also -Watch: Why Did Harmanpreet Kaur refuse to shake Fatima Sana's hand at the toss? The moment that's got everyone talking

Ahead of the Thailand opener, Muzumdar backed his young team to play aggressive cricket. He admitted there is room for improvement but said the side is focused on playing good cricket and making a strong start to the tournament.

From World Cup win to Asia Cup 2026 — Inside Muzumdar's "One game at a time" strategy

After India's World Cup success, head coach Amol Muzumdar is now focused on building a strong team for the Women's Asia Cup 2026. Despite India's recent struggles in T20Is, he is not too concerned about their form and wants the young squad to focus on improving.

Muzumdar has stressed the importance of taking the tournament “one game at a time”. India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Thailand on August 30, while the much-awaited clash against Pakistan is scheduled for September 5. The coach wants his players to focus on the game in front of them rather than look too far ahead.

Muzumdar also wants India to play aggressive cricket and set the tone for the next six months, which includes the Asian Games campaign. After a productive 15-day camp at the Centre of Excellence, he believes the team is well prepared and now needs to execute its plans on the field.