The cricket teams of India and Pakistan have not visited each other’s country for years. Amidst the tense atmosphere between the two countries, a picture has emerged from Saudi Arabia, in which veteran Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan is seen hugging Shoaib Malik. This picture has come to light at a time when the Indian team has been adopting the strategy of ‘no handshake’ with Pakistani players for the last several months.

F2 double wicket match was played in the World Cricket Festival 2026 held in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. In this match played at Abdul Aziz University, Pakistan won over Team India. When the highlights video was released after the match, Irfan Pathan and Shoaib Malik not only hugged each other but were also seen smiling after giving high-fives.

Irfan hugged the Pakistani without even shaking hands

Asia Cup 2025 was played last year in September 2025. In that tournament, 3 matches including the final were played between India and Pakistan. In all three matches, the Indian team did not even shake hands with the Pakistani players, leave alone a hug. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Aga in all three matches.

On September 28, India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final of Asia Cup. After that historic victory, Team India had refused to take the trophy from the hands of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. That Asia Cup trophy dispute has not been resolved yet.

Was refused to play last year

After that, in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 also, the Indian team had repeated the strategy of not shaking hands with Pakistani players. The matter escalated to such an extent that Indian players refused to even play a match with Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends. Irfan Pathan was also a part of that team. But now the pictures of Shoaib Malik shaking hands with other Pakistani players have created a stir.

Irfan Pathan often vocal in his criticism of Pakistan cricket, was seen today warmly shaking hands with Shoaib Malik and other Pakistani players. Meanwhile, Pakistan storm into the semi-finals of the Double Wicket World Cup India are knocked out. #PAKvIND #IrfanPathan #cricket pic.twitter.com/fbQOLW32H0

— Hamza Ijaz (@HamzaEjaz367) January 23, 2026

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