Pakistan targets India with handshake dig in new Australia T20I series promo
Pakistan took a fresh dig at India with a new promotional video for their upcoming T20I series against Australia, featuring a clear reference to the handshake controversy that has marked recent India-Pakistan encounters . The promo portrays Pakistan as a welcoming host for Australian fans, but its final moments sparked controversy with a pointed reminder about handshakes and “neighbours” .
The handshake row backstory
Following the Pahalgam terror attacks, Indian cricketers refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts in various global competitions . It all started during the Asia Cup 2025, when the teams met thrice, but captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Salman Ali Agha—both after the toss and at the conclusion of the matches .
The incident escalated tensions between the two nations, with Pakistan threatening to leave the Asia Cup midway after a stand-off with the ICC over match referee Andy Pycroft .
The controversial promo moment
In the promotional video, the final moments show a tourist exiting a car without shaking the driver’s hand . The Australian tourist is then reminded in Hindi: “Handshake bhool gaye aap, lagta hai padosiyon ke paas bhi ruke thay” (You forgot the handshake; it looks like you had an encounter with our neighbours) .
The reference to “neighbours” was clearly aimed at India, given Pakistan and India share a border and the recent handshake controversy between the cricket teams . Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha even makes a brief appearance in the promo to discuss hospitality, adding another layer to the message .
Australia’s tour of Pakistan before World Cup
Australia will play three T20 Internationals in Lahore prior to the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka . The matches are scheduled as day-night games at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 29, 31, and February 1, before both teams leave for the mega event .
While Australia are playing their World Cup group games in India, Pakistan will be based in Sri Lanka for their matches . This is the first time since April 2022 that Australia will tour Pakistan for a T20 series, as they last visited the country to play a Test series and a white-ball rubber that year .