Wasim Akram attacked in Pakistan for hugging Rohit Sharma

Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram is facing heavy criticism back home after warmly embracing India star Rohit Sharma before the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo. The friendly moment between the two legends has triggered a heated debate on Pakistani television.

Wasim Akram's simple gesture with Rohit Sharma created drama

The tension around handshakes was already high before the India-Pakistan clash in Colombo. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided shaking hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss. The move has been continuous since last August 2025 due to ongoing political tensions.

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Even after the game, there were no handshakes between players and support staff from both sides. But Wasim Akram and Rohit showed no awkwardness when they saw each other after the match in Colombo. They shared a warm hug near the boundary line, smiling and chatting like old friends.

Former Pakistan star questions Wasim Akram's gesture

That moment irked many Pakistanis. Former Pakistan openers Mohammad Amir and Ahmed Shehzad publicly questioned Akram’s friendly behaviour with Rohit, especially when the Indian team was avoiding the Men in Green and their support staff on a TV show.

Shehzad sarcastically said that Wasim Akram always knows how to show sportsmanship, even when tensions are high. However, he doesn’t think the former captain did anything wrong.

Ahmed Shehzad said on his YouTube channel, “Wasim bhai always finds a way to shake hands. He shakes hands wherever it’s necessary. Nothing like criticism; it is a good thing. He has his own examples. Wherever you are, do what is appropriate. He explains this.”

'Sanitise your hands, shake afterwards'

Meanwhile, former pacer Mohammad Amir also shared his views on the handshake controversy. Amir said he is confused by the mixed signals. He also noted that if Pakistan decided to play the match despite earlier boycott talks, then these gestures should not become a big issue.

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Mohammad Amir said on a Pakistani show, "I don’t get it. When Pakistan threatened a boycott, they backed down, saying, ‘Play, play, we are losing billions.’ Fine, you want to play in that country. You don’t want to shake hands? Sanitise your hands, shake afterwards. You won’t look bad. But this? I just don’t understand it.”

Rohit-Akram Colombo moment

Notably, India’s ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, met Pakistan legend Wasim Akram during the pre-match ceremony. Both were smiling, talking, shaking hands, and even hugging each other. The video of this moment quickly went viral on social media.

Actually, Rohit was in Colombo as a brand ambassador for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Before the match started, he and Akram walked onto the field with the trophy. They were joined by Sanjog Gupta, the International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO, at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Legends Hugs, Kids don’t Shake Hands.. #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FmfZlF12yA

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 15, 2026

India make it to the Super 8 round

Earlier, Pakistan could not handle the pressure while chasing 176 runs against India in Colombo. The target looked easy at the start, but the Pakistan batters kept losing wickets quickly. In the end, Pakistan was bowled out for just 114 runs, suffering a massive defeat against India.

With this massive win over the Men in Green, India earned two important points but also confirmed their place in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Before India, the West Indies had booked their spot in the Super 8. South Africa has also qualified for the Super 8 round from Group D.