Harmanpreet Kaur says India women’s team will focus solely on cricket ahead of their Women’s World Cup clash against Pakistan on October 5. (Image Credit: The Hindu)
India women's captain Harmanpreet Kaur responded to queries regarding her impending match against Pakistan in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, insisting that the team's concentration would be solely on cricket.
During a Media Day event held in Bengaluru and Colombo ahead of the tournament, Kaur reiterated that external controversies would not influence the team’s preparation or mindset. “Right now, our main focus is on the opening game because that is very important. The opening game is always very important for any team. Our focus is on that because that game is going to set the tone for us,” she said.
Specifically asked about playing Pakistan in the midst of growing tensions between the men's teams in the Asia Cup, Kaur was steadfast. "All the teams are of equal importance. We can't control anything that we can't control. We're here to play cricket, and cricket is our priority.". We are not going to have anything else on the field because we are here to play the game, and our sole attention would still be playing cricket," said India captain to reporters.
Kaur's declaration emphasizes the professionalism of the team, indicating that distractions off the field will not affect their performance at the World Cup.
The query was in the context of rising tensions in recent Asia Cup games between India and Pakistan men's teams. The matches fueled controversies, prompting action from the International Cricket Council (ICC), which reprimanded players from both teams.
The men's teams are in line for another Asia Cup final encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, just a few days prior to Kaur captainting India against Sri Lanka in the Women's World Cup opener.
India's Women's World Cup journey is starting on September 30 against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur. The highly anticipated game against Pakistan is set for October 5 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The emphasis by Kaur on cricket and team plans indicates that India will treat the Pakistan match with the same professionalism that has marked their preparation until now.
Harmanpreet Kaur's direct answer indicates the team's dedication to remaining focused on the game and not on outside pressures. As the Women's World Cup 2025 goes on, everyone will be looking to the Blue Tigresses to how they manage star games while their focus remains strictly cricket.
