‘Legends Embrace, Children Refuse Handshakes’: Wasim Akram–Rohit Sharma Hug Goes Viral
Colombo: A video of former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram warmly embracing former India captain Rohit Sharma has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention during the high-voltage Pakistan–India clash at the ICC T20 World Cup.
The much-anticipated encounter between arch-rivals Pakistan and India took place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. While both teams reportedly avoided the customary handshake during the toss and after the match, a contrasting scene inside the stadium captured public interest.
Legends Hugs, Kids don’t Shake Hands.. #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FmfZlF12yA
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 15, 2026
In the viral clip, Wasim Akram and Rohit Sharma can be seen greeting each other warmly and sharing a hug before the match. The gesture has sparked fresh debate about the relationship between sports and politics, especially amid ongoing political tensions between Pakistan and India.
In recent months, the impact of political strains has reportedly been visible on sporting interactions between the two nations. Following last year’s brief conflict in May, Indian players have largely refrained from engaging in traditional handshakes with Pakistani cricketers during matches. A similar trend was observed during previous encounters in the Asia Cup, where players from both sides did not exchange handshakes on the field.
Surya Kumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with Salman Ali Agha at the toss.
Indian players didn’t shake Hands with Pakistanis at the end of the match.
But Rohit Sharma was seen hugging Pakistani Wasim Akram.
I just hope Rohit isn’t abused and shamed for it. pic.twitter.com/qJvN1xppIi
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) February 16, 2026
Social media users have responded strongly to the viral moment. One user commented, “Legends embrace, while children refuse handshakes,” praising the senior cricketers for rising above tensions. Others described the gesture as a positive example of keeping sports separate from politics, while some viewed it as a contradictory stance.
Many fans noted that sports are meant to bring people closer, and such moments serve as reminders of the unifying power of the game.
As for the match result, India secured a comprehensive 61-run victory over Pakistan. However, beyond the scoreboard, the embrace between Wasim Akram and Rohit Sharma remained a major talking point among cricket fans.
