former indian cricketer Harbhajan Singhshook hands with pakistani bowler Shahnawaz Dahani during abu dhabi t10 league 2025 This has sparked widespread reactions and controversy among fans. The gesture, seen after Match 3 of the tournament on November 19 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, comes amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries. India And PakistanEspecially after the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. Harbhajan, who is captaining Aspin Stallions, exchanged pleasantries with Dahani, a moment that was in sharp contrast to the recent trend where Indian teams have avoided such gestures with Pakistani players.
Controversy over Harbhajan Singh’s handshake amid political tension!
The video of Harbhajan shaking hands with Dahani quickly went viral on social media, dividing opinions among fans and cricket lovers. Since the Pahalgam attack, the Indian men’s and women’s teams have largely avoided shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during matches. asia cup 2025 and recently Women’s Cricket World CupThis no-handshake policy became a symbolic stance representing the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries in the sports arena,
Moreover, Harbhajan became among the first retired Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan PathanAnd Suresh Raina In boycotting matches against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends. Citing nationalistic sentiments, these players said that “Blood and sweat cannot live together,“Giving a walkover to India and allowing Pakistan to directly reach the final. Such actions reveal deep political implications affecting cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
Despite this background, Harbhajan’s handshake with Dahani is seen as a significant deviation from the prevailing attitude. Some fans have strongly criticized the gesture as a breach of patriotism, while others have praised it as a moment of sportsmanship that transcends politics. The event offers a nuanced perspective on cricket as a platform where sport and politics intersect, yet where gestures of goodwill still find place.
Here’s how fans reacted:
In July – Harbhajan Singh withdrew from the match against Pakistan in the WCL.
In November – Harbhajan Singh was seen shaking hands with Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani at the Abu Dhabi T10 League. pic.twitter.com/Xx9KWKsVDL
– ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) 20 November 2025
Harbhajan Singh 🤝🏼 Shahnawaz Dahani
The players were seen shaking hands after the Abu Dhabi T10 match between Aspin Stallions and Northern Warriors, which the latter won thanks to a brilliant spell by Dahani!
Any good sights worth seeing?#shahnawazdahani #HarbhajanSingh pic.twitter.com/xEzSLwo7ys
– CricStats (@CricStatsINT) 20 November 2025
Did not play against Pakistan Legends and now shaking hands with Pakistani players.
• That’s Harbhajan Singh for you.
• Kudos to Shahnawaz Dahani who defended 8 runs by taking 2 wickets for just 3 runs in the last over. pic.twitter.com/CtSN5dIFEl
-Nawaz. (@Rnawaz0) 19 November 2025
🚨Harbhajan Singh left the policy of not shaking hands🚨
Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh shook hands with Pakistan bowler Shahnawaz Dahani during the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
(via NDTV Sports)#HarbhajanSingh pic.twitter.com/f3MINboeKl
– Ravi (@IamRaviGupta_) 20 November 2025
Harbhajan Singh shaking hands with Shahnawaz Dahani. It seems the no-handshake policy is only for those wearing Pakistani shirts. pic.twitter.com/6jTRFDwnzX
– Muhammad Lareb (@M_Lareb7) 20 November 2025
@harbhajan_singh Now you have forgotten to boycott. pic.twitter.com/GEJiftA6mr
– Parag (@paragrege31) 20 November 2025
What a joke man who is promoting T-10 performance and that too against 45 year old Harbhajan Singh who is a tailender. https://t.co/Jpm05tgdPg
– Muqtada Hameed (@muqihameed) 20 November 2025
Harbhajan Singh 🤦🏼♂️🇮🇳#India#Pakistan pic.twitter.com/hnzsw5oF9S
– MK Meena (@MausamKumarMee4) 20 November 2025
What is this double standards, Mr Parliament?@harbhajan_singh pic.twitter.com/tYErQ8z8LJ
-Gauti Harshit Dhiman (@GautiDhiman) 20 November 2025
Harbhajan Singh warmly shook hands with Shahnawaz Dahani after the Abu Dhabi T10 match.
Dahani replied with a smile – You wonder why we don’t see the same energy in international matches. Interesting paradox. pic.twitter.com/TAQwC47DVQ– Abhay 🫀 (@CrickTrack360) 19 November 2025
Did not play against Pakistan Legends and now shaking hands with Pakistani players
That’s Harbhajan Singh Daddu for you 🤣
Kudos to Dhani who defended 8 runs by taking 2 wickets for just 3 runs in the last over.#T10 pic.twitter.com/aBC6KtfFYs
– Saith Usama (@Saith__Usama) 19 November 2025
Northern Warriors beat Aspin Stallions in Abu Dhabi T10 League
Harbhajan’s Aspin Stallions faced Northern Warriors during a closely-contested Match 3 of the Abu Dhabi T10 League. The Stallions posted a total of 110/7 in the 10-over format, but Northern Warriors easily chased down the target of 114/1, losing by four runs. Harbhajan contributed with the ball by giving away eight runs in his one over and was run out after scoring one run on the last ball of the match.
Dahani emerged as the player of the match with impressive figures of 2/10, which also included key wickets saif hassan And Tymal MillsDahani’s bowling performance and the brief post-match handshake between him and Harbhajan Singh became a major talking point, increasing the focus on the match far beyond the cricketing action,
The Abu Dhabi T10 League, known for its fast-paced and exciting 10-over matches, continues to attract major talent and showcase intense competition. This latest incident adds another layer to the tournament narrative, highlighting how the expressions of cricket in mixed-national competitions can give rise to significant public and political debate in turbulent times.
Also read: India’s top all-rounder Hardik Pandya performs traditional puja with girlfriend Mahika Sharma
