Rohit Sharma walked out with trophy with Wasim Akram. [Source - @indiansports31/x.com]The high-octane India vs Pakistan clash in Colombo was always going to dominate headlines and the buzz was not limited to what unfolded with bat and ball as usual. While fans geared up for another blockbuster chapter in cricket’s fiercest rivalry, off-field narratives once again threatened to overshadow the spectacle.Much of the chatter revolved around Team India’s now-familiar “no handshake” stance toward their Pakistani counterparts. As the captains met at the toss and maintained distance, social media erupted, taking note of every gesture and expression in a fixture where even silence speaks volumes. Yet, just when it seemed the script was predictable, cameras caught a moment that flipped the narrative. A familiar Indian face was seen warmly greeting a Pakistani legend, setting timelines ablaze and sparking a fresh debate on loyalty, symbolism, and the spirit of the game. Rohit Sharma shakes hands with Wasim Akram amid ongoing handshake controversy Former India T20I captain Rohit Sharma, present in Colombo as a brand ambassador for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, was very much part of the pre-match build-up. He met members of Team India ahead of the big clash and shared a few light moments, showing visible support for the side. However, what truly caught everyone’s attention was Rohit Sharma’s warm interaction with Pakistan legend Wasim Akram during the pre-match events, including while walking out with the T20 World Cup trophy. The two were seen hugging and shaking hands, smiling for cameras in a moment that quickly went viral across platforms.Roshan Rai @RoshanKrRaii Surya Kumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with Salman Ali Agha at the toss. Indian players didn’t shake Hands with Pakistanis at the end of the match. But Rohit Sharma was seen hugging Pakistani Wasim Akram. I just hope Rohit isn’t abused and shamed for it. Feb 16, 2026, 8:09 AM The pre-match chatting panel, which included Robin Uthappa and was hosted by Sanjana Ganesan, suddenly caught people's attention. Many felt Rohit’s gesture contradicted Team India’s on-field stance, sparking accusations that the veteran had not followed the same line drawn by the current squad.When did the no-handshake gesture begin? The no-handshake gesture did not emerge overnight. It first drew widespread attention during the Asia Cup, when Indian players avoided customary handshakes with Pakistan at both the toss and post-match proceedings, triggering a heated debate about sportsmanship and political undertones. The move was widely interpreted as a symbolic stand amid rising political tensions between the two nations. While cricket has often tried to maintain a boundary between sport and diplomacy, India’s visible shift in pre-match gestures signalled that the rivalry had extended beyond the boundary ropes. Since then, the stance has reappeared in major tournaments, including the ongoing T20 World Cup clash in Colombo. Once again, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not exchange handshakes at the toss, reinforcing what many now see as a consistent team position rather than an isolated gesture. Was Rohit Sharma’s gesture a betrayal or just respect? The moment understandably raised eyebrows. When a team takes a visible stand on something as symbolic as refusing handshakes, consistency becomes crucial. Seeing Rohit Sharma warmly greet Wasim Akram in the middle of that narrative naturally felt contradictory and, to some extent, confusing in the larger context of the rivalry. At the same time, labeling it as a betrayal would be excessive. Rohit is not part of the current playing XI and is present as a tournament ambassador. Wasim Akram remains one of the most respected figures in world cricket, and acknowledging a legend on an off-field stage before a global spectacle should not automatically be viewed through a political lens.
