The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan has discovered a recent flashpoint, and this time, it isn’t on the pitch. Forward of Australia‘s extremely anticipated T20I tour of Pakistan in 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launched a promotional video that has set social media ablaze. What was meant to be a showcase of conventional hospitality rapidly became a viral controversy as followers noticed a cheeky reference to India’s latest “no-handshake” coverage in the course of the 2025 Asia Cup.
As each groups put together for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, this off-field banter has added a layer of depth to the collection, proving that the neighbourly pressure stays as excessive as ever within the cricketing world.
Followers mock PCB’s cheeky handshake dig at India
The promotional clip launched by the PCB options an Australian vacationer exploring the colourful streets of Pakistan, experiencing the nation’s famend hospitality. In a single scene, Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, is seen paying for the vacationer’s dinner, warmly stating, “Mehman ho ji aap hamaare”.
Nevertheless, the actual controversy erupted throughout a scene involving a neighborhood taxi driver. Because the vacationer prepares to go away the cab, the driving force calls him again with a pointed comment: “Mate, handshake bhool gaye aap! Lagta hai padosiyon ke paas bhi ruke the” (Mate, you forgot to shake fingers! Seems to be such as you stayed with the neighbors as nicely). This can be a direct jab on the Indian group’s stance in the course of the 2025 Asia Cup, the place Indian gamers reportedly averted handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts following heightened geopolitical tensions and safety issues.
The dig didn’t go unnoticed. Indian followers rapidly flooded social media, mocking the PCB for “residing up to now” and utilizing India’s identify to realize traction for a bilateral collection that doesn’t even contain the Males in Blue.
Additionally READ: Pakistan suspends 2026 T20 World Cup preparations to point out solidarity with Bangladesh
Right here’s how followers reacted:
So, let me get this straight. That is an advert for a collection between Pakistan and Australia.
India isn’t enjoying. India isn’t touring. India is nowhere close to the venue. But, the punchline of your complete promo is about us?
1. The “Obsession” is Actual
As an Indian fan, the primary… https://t.co/vAe5y8yiH4— Kartik Kannan (@kartik_kannan) January 22, 2026
Reel vs Actuality https://t.co/JSRfI3aDWF pic.twitter.com/cZeXr28Ygm
— JoyBoy.kt 🏏 (@TweetECricket) January 21, 2026
Khud ke collection ke promotion ke liye bhi #India ka naam lena pada… kya gareebi hai#Pakistan https://t.co/TihY5jQfG5
— Jatin Sharma (@jatincricket) January 21, 2026
India lives hire free of their empty minds. https://t.co/4JXFX1cfZe
— Kàran (@karanXtwt) January 22, 2026
Even the third high quality promotion of a cricket bilateral has to characteristic India to make it entertaining. https://t.co/ezMUS9z6Ed
— Wokeflix (@wokeflix) January 21, 2026
My favorite a part of this promo is the Kebabs. https://t.co/4aUBXSPRip
— KASHISH (@crickashish217) January 22, 2026
By not doing the handshake, the BCCI has given such an enormous shock that the PCB and Hagga ji are nonetheless crying.😭🐷😭
– Hagga ji 15 wala match Chahiye , Hagga ji USA wala match chahiye 🐷😭😂#BangladeshCricket #INDvNZ #PakistanCricket https://t.co/A5bxTA9v8A
— 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐡. (@CrickRitesh_18) January 21, 2026
Teen din ki collection kay liye itni advertising https://t.co/oX16UFyrnx
— John Doe (@wellandtruly) January 21, 2026
Handshake se itni g jali hai ki sapne mein bhi vhi dikhta hoga https://t.co/Jd5PZqMLxN
— Uma⚡ (@mahicoholic7) January 21, 2026
Their obsession with us for a collection we aren’t even enjoying 😂 https://t.co/tz0LX0DfTR
— Bharat Military (@BhartArmy) January 22, 2026
Australia to tour Pakistan for a 3 match T20I collection
This three-match T20I collection serves as the ultimate gown rehearsal for each nations earlier than they head to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka. All matches are scheduled to be performed underneath the lights on the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The Australian facet, led by Mitchell Marsh, might be lacking a number of key pillars. Stars like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell have stayed again to handle workloads or get better from accidents. This has opened the door for recent expertise, together with Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, to show their mettle in subcontinental circumstances. For Pakistan, the collection is an opportunity for Agha to solidify his management and for the squad to seek out their rhythm earlier than their World Cup opener in Sri Lanka.
Additionally READ: Marvel’s Eternals actor Kumail Nanjiani discusses the primary problem Pakistan faces forward of T20 World Cup 2026
