Shameless Pakistan stoops to new low, sparks fresh controversy with India before T20 World Cup
The India-Pakistan rivalry has always been fierce, emotional, and bigger than the game itself. Traditionally, it’s settled with bat and ball. But this time, the loudest blows aren’t coming on the field, they’re landing on social media.
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s latest promotional video for their upcoming home T20 series against Australia has sparked a full-blown online storm. On the surface, it looks like a slick tourism-meets-cricket clip. Look closer, though, and there’s a five-second moment that’s got fans, former players, and analysts talking nonstop.
The Five-Second Moment That Changed Everything
The promo follows an Australian fan soaking in Pakistan’s culture, busy streets, warm hospitality, and local charm. As he steps out of a taxi, the driver casually calls him back and delivers the line that set the internet buzzing.
“Handshake bhool gaye aap, lagta hain padosiyo ke paas bhi ruke the.”
Translated, it roughly means: “You forgot the handshake. Looks like you stopped by the neighbours as well.”
The message isn’t subtle. It’s a clear swipe at India’s recent decision to avoid post-match handshakes with Pakistani players, a move that’s been debated endlessly since late 2025.
Why the Handshake Became a Flashpoint
To understand why this line hit such a nerve, you have to rewind to the 2025 Asia Cup. After India’s win, captains Suryakumar Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur led a team-wide decision to skip the customary handshake line.
Surya later explained that the gesture or lack of it was meant as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attacks and a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. His words were clear and uncompromising: “Some things in life are ahead of sportsmanship.”
The tension didn’t end there. Things escalated to the point where India reportedly declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the presentation ceremony, further deepening the divide.
Smart Marketing or Unnecessary Provocation?
From a marketing standpoint, the PCB has undoubtedly struck gold. A single line has ensured their T20 series against Australia is trending well beyond cricket circles. Everyone’s talking, and in today’s digital world, attention often equals success.
But not everyone’s impressed. Critics argue that leaning into political and emotional flashpoints risks overshadowing the cricket itself. For a sport that constantly talks about unity and respect, some feel this move feeds the very hostility cricket is supposed to rise above.
Cricket caught in the crossfire
Whether you see it as clever branding or needless provocation, one thing’s clear, the PCB knew exactly what it was doing. In a rivalry where every gesture is dissected, even a fictional taxi driver can become a headline act.
As Pakistan prepare to host Australia, the hope among fans is simple: once the first ball is bowled, the focus shifts back where it belongs on the cricket, not the subtext.