Amidst the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Women's World Cup and the India vs. Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has addressed the controversies that have recently plagued cricket matches between the two nations. With the Women's World Cup approaching, scheduled to begin on September 30 in Guwahati, and the Asia Cup match against Pakistan set for October 5 in Colombo, Kaur emphasized that her team's primary focus remains solely on cricket.

Kaur dismissed any concerns about the off-field tensions impacting her team's performance. She stated firmly that the team's focus is on playing cricket and that they do not discuss external issues in the dressing room. "Well, we can only control one thing which is playing cricket on the field and we are not thinking of other things," Kaur said. "Because as cricketers, we can only control the things we have in our hand. But in other parts, I have zero control and I don't even take those things into my mind." She stressed that the team is "only here to play cricket and our focus is only on cricket".

Recent Asia Cup matches between the men's teams of India and Pakistan have been marred by heated moments, animated celebrations, and verbal exchanges. The International Cricket Council (ICC) even intervened and reprimanded players from both sides. However, Kaur has made it clear that such incidents do not affect her team's mindset. She asserted that her team would not be distracted by the noise surrounding their World Cup showdown with Pakistan and that they are concentrating on what happens within the boundary lines.

Kaur acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the Indian team, especially with the World Cup being held on home soil. "I think leading your country is always a very special moment for any player, but leading your country in an ODI World Cup is even more special, and on top of that, it is a home World Cup, so it's even more special," Kaur said. She added that it was "unbelievable" to have the opportunity to lead her country, a dream she never thought would come true when she started playing.

Despite the pressure, Kaur emphasized the importance of embracing the occasion and enjoying the moment. "The ODI World Cup is happening after 12 years (at home), and I think it is going to be very amazing for all of us," she said. "It's all about enjoying this moment and not taking too much pressure".

Ahead of the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka, Kaur attended the Captains' Day event in Bengaluru. She reiterated that her team's main focus is on the opening game, as it is crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the tournament. "Right now, our main focus is on the opening game because that is very important," Kaur said. "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".

Kaur's stance underscores her commitment to keeping the team focused on their performance and not getting sidetracked by external controversies. Her leadership aims to create a positive and focused environment, allowing the team to perform at their best during the upcoming World Cup and Asia Cup.

In related news, the Indian women's team was recently fined 10 percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the final ODI against Australia. Kaur admitted to the offense and accepted the proposed penalty.