Let’s call a spade a spade: India’s upcoming clash with Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup is drawing attention for reasons that extend far beyond cricket. Memories of the Men’s Asia Cup remain fresh — India thrashed Pakistan three times, yet it was the off-field drama that dominated headlines after Suryakumar Yadav’s team defended their title. India had refused to collect the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as president of the Asian Cricket Council. Captain Suryakumar later confirmed that the decision was taken collectively by the team and that no one had pressured them into it. He clarified that, as a result of their stance, the trophy was not formally presented to them.

Amid such theatrics, the game itself often takes a backseat. Bri

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