The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan has found a fresh flashpoint, and this time, it isn’t on the pitch. Ahead of Australia‘s highly anticipated T20I tour of Pakistan in 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a promotional video that has set social media ablaze. What was intended to be a showcase of traditional hospitality quickly turned into a viral controversy as fans spotted a cheeky reference to India’s recent “no-handshake” policy during the 2025 Asia Cup.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, this off-field banter has added a layer of intensity to the series, proving that the neighbourly tension remains as high as ever in the cricketing world.
Fans mock PCB’s cheeky handshake dig at India
The promotional clip released by the PCB features an Australian tourist exploring the vibrant streets of Pakistan, experiencing the country’s renowned hospitality. In one scene, Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, is seen paying for the tourist’s dinner, warmly stating, “Mehman ho ji aap hamaare”.
However, the real controversy erupted during a scene involving a local taxi driver. As the tourist prepares to leave the cab, the driver calls him back with a pointed remark: “Mate, handshake bhool gaye aap! Lagta hai padosiyon ke paas bhi ruke the” (Mate, you forgot to shake hands! Looks like you stayed with the neighbors as well). This is a direct jab at the Indian team’s stance during the 2025 Asia Cup, where Indian players reportedly avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts following heightened geopolitical tensions and security concerns.
The dig did not go unnoticed. Indian fans quickly flooded social media, mocking the PCB for “living in the past” and using India’s name to gain traction for a bilateral series that doesn’t even involve the Men in Blue.
Also READ: Pakistan suspends 2026 T20 World Cup preparations to show solidarity with Bangladesh
Here’s how fans reacted:
So, let me get this straight. This is an ad for a series between Pakistan and Australia.
India is not playing. India is not touring. India is nowhere near the venue. Yet, the punchline of your entire promo is about us?
1. The “Obsession” is Real
As an Indian fan, the first… https://t.co/vAe5y8yiH4— Kartik Kannan (@kartik_kannan) January 22, 2026
Reel vs Reality https://t.co/JSRfI3aDWF pic.twitter.com/cZeXr28Ygm
— JoyBoy.kt 🏏 (@TweetECricket) January 21, 2026
Khud ke series 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 rent free in their empty minds. https://t.co/4JXFX1cfZe
— Kàran (@karanXtwt) January 22, 2026
Even the third quality promotion of a cricket bilateral has to feature India to make it entertaining. https://t.co/ezMUS9z6Ed
— Wokeflix (@wokeflix) January 21, 2026
My favourite 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 a big shock that the PCB and Hagga ji are still 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 series kay liye itni marketing 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 series we are not even playing 😂 https://t.co/tz0LX0DfTR
— Bharat Army (@BhartArmy) January 22, 2026
Australia to tour Pakistan for a three match T20I series
This three-match T20I series serves as the final dress rehearsal for both nations before they head to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka. All matches are scheduled to be played under the lights at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The Australian side, led by Mitchell Marsh, will be missing several key pillars. Stars like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell have stayed back to manage workloads or recover from injuries. This has opened the door for fresh talent, including Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, to prove their mettle in subcontinental conditions. For Pakistan, the series is a chance for Agha to solidify his leadership and for the squad to find their rhythm before their World Cup opener in Sri Lanka.
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