Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram is facing heavy criticism at home after he warmly hugged India star Rohit Sharma ahead of the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo. The friendly moment between the two legends has sparked a heated debate on Pakistani television.
Wasim Akram’s simple act with Rohit Sharma created drama
Even before the clash between India and Pakistan in Colombo, tension regarding the handshake was high. At the time of toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga. This move has been continuing since last August 2025 due to ongoing political tensions.
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Even after the game, there was no handshake between the players and support staff of both the sides. But when Wasim Akram and Rohit saw each other after the match in Colombo, there was no discomfort seen in them. They smiled and talked like old friends, embracing warmly near the border line.
Former Pakistan star raised questions on Wasim Akram’s expressions!
That moment upset many Pakistanis. Former Pakistan openers Mohammad Amir and Ahmed Shehzad publicly questioned Akram’s friendly behavior with Rohit, especially when the Indian team was avoiding the Men in Green and their support staff on a TV show.
Shahzad sarcastically said that Wasim Akram always knows how to show sportsmanship, even when the tension is high. However, he does not think the former captain has done anything wrong.
Ahmed Shahzad said on his YouTube channel, “Wasim Bhai always finds a way to shake hands. Wherever it is necessary, he shakes hands. There is nothing like criticism; it is a good thing. He has his own examples. Wherever you are, do whatever is appropriate. That is what he explains.”
‘Clean your hands, shake later’
Meanwhile, former fast bowler Mohammad Aamir also shared his views on the handshake controversy. Aamir said he was confused by the mixed signals. He also said that if Pakistan has decided to play the match despite earlier boycott talks, then these gestures should not become a big issue.
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Mohammad Aamir said on a Pakistani show, “I don’t understand. When Pakistan threatened to boycott, they backed down and said, ‘Play, play, we are losing billions.’ Okay, you want to play in that country. You don’t want to shake hands? Sanitize your hands, shake later. You won’t look bad. But this? I can’t understand it.”
Rohit-Akram Colombo moment
Notably, India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma met Pakistan legend Wasim Akram during the pre-match ceremony. Both were smiling, talking, shaking hands and even hugging each other. The video of this moment quickly went viral on social media.
Actually, Rohit was in Colombo as the brand ambassador of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Before the match started, he and Akram came on the field carrying the trophy. R. International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Sanjog Gupta also joined him at the Premadasa Stadium.
Veterans hug, children don’t shake hands. #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FmfZlF12yA
– Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) 15 February 2026
India has made it to the Super 8 round
Earlier, while chasing the target of 176 runs against India in Colombo, Pakistan could not withstand the pressure. Initially the target seemed easy, but Pakistan’s batsmen kept losing wickets quickly. In the end, Pakistan team was out for just 114 runs and had to face a crushing defeat from India.
With this big win over the Men in Green, India not only earned two important points but also sealed their place in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Before India, West Indies had booked their place in the Super 8. South Africa has also qualified for the Super 8 round from Group D.