No Handshakes, But Hugs Are Allowed!

The India vs Pakistan match once again turned out exactly as many people expected. India completely dominated the game and never allowed Pakistan to take control at any stage. As a result, India won the match by 61 runs and strengthened their position in the ICC T20 World Cup, taking their head-to-head lead to 8–1.

That was the cricketing side of the story. But what caught more attention than the match itself was the discussion around the handshake between players of both teams.

After Operation Sindoor, India decided to boycott Pakistan in different ways. Because of that decision, during the Asia Cup 2025 matches between the two teams, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss. The Indian players also avoided shaking hands with Pakistani players after the match.

India also refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from the Asian Cricket Council chairman and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, reportedly because he is from Pakistan.

So when this T20 World Cup clash was about to take place, fans were more curious about one question: Would the players shake hands this time or not?

Before the match, during the press conference, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked about the handshake issue. He answered the question very smartly, without creating any controversy by saying, “Wait for 24 hours. We are here to play cricket. Have good food and sleep“.

During the toss as many were not expecting, both captains did not shake hands. Also even after the match ended, there was no handshake between the players.

SKY’s ‘No Handshake’ Swag! At the toss, Salman Aga kept rubbing his hands, while Surya didn’t shake hands.#SKY #NoHandshake #TossDrama #OneIndia #oireel #viralwatch pic.twitter.com/k0i6LCGZEC

— Oneindia News (@Oneindia) February 15, 2026

However, what many people found confusing was something else. Before the match started, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram and former India captain Rohit Sharma were seen not only shaking hands but also hugging each other warmly.

Watch Video–

Former India captain #RohitSharma shared a warm hug with Pakistan legend #WasimAkram during the pre-match ceremony in Colombo.#ICCT20WorldCup2026 #T20WorldCup2026 #T20WorldCup #T20WC2026 #T20WC #INDvsPAK #IndvsPak2026 #teamindia #pakistan pic.twitter.com/ZzOzMMQkMS

— Manchh (@Manchh_Official) February 16, 2026

It didn’t stop there. In the Hindi commentary box, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was seen doing commentary with Harbhajan Singh. It is hard to believe that there was no handshake between them.

Players are not doing hand shake

But star sports having Misbah ul haq from Pakistan and Indian players together in commentary box#ShameOnStarSports#MisbahulHaq #StarSportsindia #jiohotstar pic.twitter.com/nTFaj2nazy

— Parth Somaiya (@ParthSomaiya5) February 15, 2026

In addition, Harbhajan Singh was also seen interviewing Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan before the match.

 

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Another interesting point was the media reaction. During Operation Sindoor, parts of the Indian media strongly supported cutting all ties with Pakistan. Yet during this match, Indian TV channels were collaborating with Pakistani TV channels.

जब बीच बहस में पाकिस्तान क्रिकेट टीम को बहुत बुरी टीम बोल गए @DrRKJanjua#INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup2026 #CricketNews | @pratyushkkhare pic.twitter.com/rMNNQUARrS

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) February 16, 2026

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar also shared his opinion on the social media platform X before the match. He wrote:
 “This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all.”

This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) February 15, 2026

In many ways, his statement makes sense. If you do not have a problem playing against Pakistan, then why have a problem with shaking hands?

This unnecessary controversy does not really add any value. Cricket is often called a gentleman’s game, and it should remain that way. If players are avoiding handshakes, then why are they hugging each other?

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