By Admin 
Relations between India and Pakistan have been quite tense in recent months and its effect is clearly visible on the cricket field as well. In such an environment, a video of former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is becoming increasingly viral on social media, which has given rise to a new debate. In this video, Irfan Pathan is seen shaking hands and hugging Pakistani players after a private league match. Especially his hug with former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has become a topic of discussion.
Situation worsened after Pahalgam attack
In fact, a few months ago, Indian tourists were killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. After this, the Indian Army retaliated by launching ‘Operation Sindoor’ and targeted terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. After these incidents the tension between the two countries deepened. This also affected cricket relations, where Indian players on many occasions avoided shaking hands or talking to Pakistani players.
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Irfan Pathan, often vocal in his criticism of Pakistan and its cricketers, was seen shaking hands and sharing hugs with Shoaib Malik and other Pakistani players today alongside Stuart Binny at the F2… pic.twitter.com/Y6K23T7932
— Atul Singh (@atulsinghUK) January 23, 2026
Video surfaced from private league
In such an environment, this video of Irfan Pathan presents a completely different picture. In a viral clip in a private league, it can be seen that after the match is over, the players of both the teams are shaking hands with each other, doing high-fives and during this, Irfan Pathan and Shoaib Malik hug each other. This scene is considered to be in contrast to the bitterness seen in India-Pakistan cricket in recent times. However, ABP News does not confirm this video.
Tension was visible in the matches of both the countries
Last year also during the Asia Cup, a glimpse of India-Pakistan tension was seen. The atmosphere remained heated from the group stage to the Super Four and then to the final. After a match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Aga. Not only this, after winning the final, the Indian team had also refrained from personally accepting the trophy from PCB Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.
Even the women’s team did not shake hands
This bitterness was not seen only in men’s cricket. Similar tension was seen in the matches played between India and Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup. Apart from this, even in ACC events like Hong Kong Super Six, players were seen avoiding following traditional etiquette. The situation worsened when India decided not to play Pakistan in both the group stage and semi-finals in the second season of the World Championship of Legends.