A fresh controversy has erupted online after a video from the Abu Dhabi T20 League showed former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shaking hands with Pakistani fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani. The gesture has triggered sharp reactions from Indian fans, especially as players from both countries had refrained from shaking hands throughout the Asia Cup 2025.
Viral clip sparks online backlash
The video, which surfaced late on November 19, shows Harbhajan finishing his batting stint and walking off the field. Dahani extends his hand, and Harbhajan is seen shaking it with a brief smile. The clip has since gone viral across multiple social media platforms, drawing heavy criticism from sections of Indian fans who questioned the perceived inconsistency in his stance.
Several posts have pointed out that Harbhajan was among the players avoiding any on-field gestures of camaraderie with Pakistani players earlier this year. Some users expressed disappointment, while others demanded clarity on why the former spinner had changed his approach.
Boycott began months earlier
The handshake controversy has revived discussions around the earlier boycott by senior Indian players during the World Championship of Legends. In July 2025, India and Pakistan were set to play on July 20, but Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan and Irfan Pathan refused to participate.
The players cited national sentiment and the tense political climate as reasons for their withdrawal. Their decision resulted in Pakistan gaining a direct entry into the tournament final. At the time, the boycott had been widely discussed, with many praising the players for their principled stand.
Asia Cup 2025: No handshake policy
The Asia Cup 2025 saw three high-intensity clashes between India and Pakistan, with India winning all three matches. Both teams notably avoided shaking hands before or after the games, a departure from the usual practice of sportsmanship seen in international cricket.
The first match took place on September 14. After India’s win, skipper Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube walked straight towards the dressing room, bypassing any post-match greetings. The same stance continued in the subsequent group match and the final.
Trophy presentation incident escalates tensions
Tensions peaked during the final when India refused to accept the trophy directly from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) President Mohsin Naqvi. Reports indicate that the Indian side avoided the podium where Naqvi was present, leading to an awkward moment. In response, Naqvi picked up the trophy and walked away visibly upset.
The incident was widely discussed across cricket circles, further cementing the firm stance Indian players had adopted throughout the tournament.
Why this handshake has drawn attention
Against this backdrop, Harbhajan Singh’s handshake with Dahani has gained outsized attention. For many online critics, the gesture appears contradictory to his earlier stand of refusing to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends. Others argue that retired players engaging in friendly gestures should not be equated with active international competition.
The debate continues to grow on social media, with fans divided between condemning and defending Harbhajan’s action.
Conclusion
As the clip continues to circulate widely, Harbhajan Singh finds himself at the centre of an unexpected storm. With India–Pakistan cricket ties already on edge, even a simple handshake has become a symbol loaded with political, emotional and sporting implications. Whether the former India spinner chooses to respond to the criticism remains to be seen, but the incident has once again highlighted how sensitive and polarised the cricketing relationship between the two countries has become.