![PCB released the promo for Australia series [Source: CallMeSheri1_/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1769006741680_SalmanAghaPAKAUSpromo.jpg?type=hq)
PCB released the promo for Australia series [Source: CallMeSheri1_/X.com]
The India-Pakistan handshake controversy from the recent Asia Cup has once again resurfaced as one of the talking talking points in Pakistan cricket after the PCB released a special promotional video for Australia's tour, taking a subtle dig at India.
The upcoming three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Australia has nothing to do with India and the Asia Cup; however, the hosts made sure the tensions between the two boards and countries fetch attention to spice things up ahead of the T20 World Cup, while they also spoke about their hospitality in the video.
WATCH - Pakistan's dig at India
The afroementioned video showed a travelling Australian fan in Pakistan having dinner at a restaurant, when Pakistan's captain Salman Agha makes an appearance by paying for the tourist's dinner. He speaks about the famous mehman-nawaazi (warm hospitality) of Pakistanis towards their guests.
Later in the video, a taxi driver takes another touring fan to the stadium, when the controversial handshake call-back takes place. After having a conversation with the driver, the fan proceeds to move on with his business, when the driver calls him and takes a sly at India.
"Wait, handshake bhul gaye aap. Lagta hai padosiyo ke paas bhi ruke the. (You forgot to shake my hands. I think you took a halt at the neighbour's place)," said the driver, as the camera zooms in during their handshake.
Agha comes back in the frame, signing autographs for the fans and takes a selfie with the Australian fan and warns him about Pakistan dismantling Australia in the upcoming series.
Pakistan's final stretch of T20 World Cup preparations
Pakistan hosts Australia for the three matches from January 29 to February 1 in Lahore, which will be the last set of T20I matches for both teams before the T20 World Cup commences in India and Sri Lanka.
PCB is yet to announce their squad for the competition and this series could play crucial role in fine tuning their squad, with a place or two up for grabs. It will be interesting to see what happens to Babar Azam's place in the squad after the player's forgettable BBL 2025/26 season with the Sydney Sixers, while he missed the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
IND-PAK tensions intensify
It is worthy to note that similar to India's stance of not touring Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will also not be travelling to India for the forthcoming T20 mega-event and play all their matches in Sri Lanka.
The two teams are grouped together in Group A, alongside USA, Namibia and the Netherlands and will face-off on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and potentially in the knockouts. This adverstisement for Australia tour of Pakistan has only added fuel to the ever-burning fire in the two countries.
So far, the two teams have met in 8 T20 World Cup matches, including the 2007 final and India has won 6, while Pakistan has won one. One tied game was determined by a bowl out, which was clinched by India in 2007.
