Rohit Sharma shares warm hug with Pak legend Wasim Akram amid no handshake row
PTC News Desk: Former team India captain Rohit Sharma shared a warm hug with Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram in Columbo ahead of the India Pakistan clash on Sunday. The two legendary cricketers were seen sharing a warm hug and a light banter during the pre-match ceremony.
The video quickly went viral on the social media.
Rohit Sharma was in Colombo as the brand ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 where he made sure to create a build-up before the high voltage clash between arch rivals. He spent time around the Indian camps, shared greetings with players, support staff with all smiles and handshakes, creating an ambience of true sportsmanship, exuding every bit of a senior figure dropping in to cheer his team and wish them good luck.
Legends Hugs, Kids don’t Shake Hands.. #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FmfZlF12yA — Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 15, 2026
However what stole the evening was his interaction with Wasim Akram. Rohit and the Pakistan great had the duty of walking out with the T20 World Cup trophy ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash, alongside International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Sanjog Gupta.
The duo shared a friendly exchange, posed for photographs before the routine ceremony at the R Premadasa Stadium. The interaction took the centre stage as it unfolded against the backdrop of India's no shandshake stance with rivals Pakistani players. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav skipped the customary exchange with Pakistani counterpart in line with the policy the Indian side has followed since the Asia Cup.
- With inputs from agencies
