The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently released a promotional video for its upcoming T20 International series against Australia, including a subtle but pointed reference to India's refusal to engage in post-match handshakes with Pakistani players. The video quickly sparked widespread debate and criticism among cricket fans, particularly in India. The three-match T20I series is set to begin on January 29, 2026, in Lahore, Pakistan.[zeenews+2]
The Controversial Promotional Video
The promotional clip portrays Pakistan as a welcoming host for international cricket, showcasing local culture and hospitality through the eyes of an Australian tourist. Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha also makes a brief appearance, emphasizing the country's generous treatment of guests.However, the video's closing scene became the focal point of controversy. An Australian tourist exits a taxi without shaking hands with the driver. The driver then playfully calls him back, saying in Hindi-Urdu, "Handshake bhool gaye aap, shayad humaare padosiyon ke wahaan ruke the" (You forgot the handshake, perhaps you stayed with our neighbors).This line was widely interpreted as a direct jab at India and its recent stance on handshakes with Pakistani teams.[zeenews+14]
Background of the Handshake Controversy
The reference stems from a policy adopted by Indian cricket teams to avoid symbolic gestures like handshakes with Pakistan in recent tournaments. This policy followed heightened tensions between the two nations, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.The issue gained significant attention during the Asia Cup 2025, where India and Pakistan faced each other three times. In these matches, India captain Suryakumar Yadav notably did not exchange handshakes with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, either at the toss or after the conclusion of the games.India's Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has remained silent on the decision, allowing the gesture to speak volumes.[zeenews+6]
Fan Reactions and PCB's Strategy
The promotional video, shared on social media platform X, triggered swift and strong reactions from Indian fans. Many users called the line "cheap provocation" and questioned why the PCB felt the need to involve India in a promotion for a bilateral series against Australia.Critics also mocked Pakistan's on-field record and argued that official promotional content should focus on the ongoing contest, not "unresolved geopolitical tensions."Some dismissed the dig as an "attention-seeking" tactic, asserting that India's standing in world cricket does not depend on such promotional jabs.[zeenews+2]
The PCB, however, appears to have framed the reference as humor or "banter" rather than outright hostility.From a marketing perspective, the strategy proved effective in generating immediate online discussion and increasing the video's visibility.In the current digital landscape, cricket boards are increasingly aware of social media optics, where "narrative dominance" and attention can be as valuable as on-field results.The inclusion of the line seems "carefully calibrated" to travel beyond Pakistan's borders and ignite conversation.This attention serves as currency for the PCB, promoting the series in a competitive digital environment.[hindustantimes+7]
The Upcoming Australia T20I Series
The promotional video aims to build hype for the upcoming three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Australia. These matches will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 29, January 31, and February 1, 2026.Australia will be led by Mitchell Marsh, with several key players rested due to workload management concerns.This series marks Australia's first T20 tour of Pakistan since April 2022.Pakistan recently toured Australia for a three-match Test series from December 2023 to January 2024, which Australia won 3-0.[zeenews+6]
Broader Cricket Dynamics
The incident underscores the deeply strained sporting relationship between India and Pakistan, where cricket often becomes a reflection of broader geopolitical tensions.Even promotional content rarely exists in isolation from the shared history and perceptions of the subcontinent.Despite Pakistan having lost three consecutive matches to India in the Asia Cup 2025, the PCB's decision to include this particular dig highlights the persistent nature of the rivalry.[zeenews+3]
Once the first ball is bowled in the upcoming series, attention is expected to return to the cricketing action on the field.However, the promotional video's controversial line serves as a reminder that the narrative surrounding India-Pakistan cricket extends far beyond the boundaries of the pitch.[zeenews+2]
