The India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has created fresh controversy off the field after former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar strongly reacted to the ongoing no handshake issue between the players. The high-voltage match was played on February 15, 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, where India secured a convincing 61-run victory.
The incident that triggered the debate occurred at the toss and after the match, where Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha did not exchange a handshake. The teams also avoided the traditional post-match interaction, which quickly became a major talking point among fans and former players.
Match Summary – IND vs PAK
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India vs Pakistan, Match 27 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | India won by 61 runs |
| India Score | 175/7 | |
| Pakistan Score | 114 all out |
India dominated the contest with both bat and ball, but the post-match scenes attracted more attention than the on-field action.
Shoaib Akhtar Strong Reaction
Speaking on a television panel, Shoaib Akhtar criticized the lack of sporting gestures between the teams. He said that cricket should reflect mutual respect and that basic courtesies like handshakes are important for the image of the game.
Shoaib Akhter – Mohsin Naqvi doesn't know anything about cricket. He doesn't have any idea to run cricket. He is a politician and he is doing politics. pic.twitter.com/gU95On7gON
— Satya Prakash (@_SatyaPrakash08) February 16, 2026
Akhtar pointed out that if players from the two countries cannot even greet each other, it sends a negative message to the global audience. He also recalled his playing days, highlighting how players from both sides interacted respectfully despite intense rivalry.
His clear message was that cricket should promote sportsmanship, regardless of political or off-field tensions.
Mohammad Amir’s ‘Sanitizer’ Comment Adds Fuel
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir also reacted to the situation in a lighter tone, joking that players might need a “sanitizer” instead of a handshake. His comment quickly went viral on social media and added another layer to the ongoing debate.
Mohammad Amir absolutely cooked the BCCI 🔥, while Ahmed Shehzad didn’t hold back either, taking a savage dig at Wasim Akram. Pakistan showing up both on and off the field! 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/dZFX09DYsf
— Maaz (@IsThatMaaz) February 16, 2026
Fans across both countries are divided. While some believe sportsmanship should come first, others support maintaining distance due to ongoing political and security sensitivities between the nations.
Background of the No Handshake Issue
The tension between the teams is not new. Similar incidents were seen during the Asia Cup 2025, where formal interactions between the sides were limited. The situation appears to have continued into the T20 World Cup 2026, reflecting the broader strained relations between the two cricketing rivals.
Despite the controversy, Suryakumar Yadav focused only on the team’s performance after the match and dedicated the win to the country, without commenting on the handshake issue.
India-Pakistan matches always attract global attention, and off-field gestures often become as important as the cricket itself. With emotions running high and public opinion divided, the discussion around sportsmanship versus national stance is likely to continue in future encounters.
For now, the rivalry remains intense both on and off the field, ensuring that every IND vs PAK match stays in the spotlight for more than just the cricket.
