WATCH: Australian players brutally lash out at India over ‘handshake’ row with Pakistan ahead of white-ball series

Like both Australia And India gearing up for another high-voltage clash, a new spark off the field has sparked pre-series discussions. Several Australian players, both male and female, playfully mocked the Indian team over its recent ‘handshake’ controversy with Pakistan during the Asian Cup 2025adding a playful touch to the build-up ahead of the limited series later this month. The remarks surfaced during a light-hearted segment of Kayo Sports, where a group of Australian cricketers engaged in joke-filled exchanges over India’s off-field controversies.

Australian players mock India ‘handshake’ controversy ahead of ODI clash

The viral clip, directed by You play sportsfeatured several Australian cricketers, including Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Short, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Alyssa Healy, Alana KingAnd Josh Hazlewoodall joining in on the jokes.

In one segment, Marsh joked, “We have Travis Head’s finger in the ice cream cup. referring to a humorous team inside a joke. Alyssa Healy and Alana King followed with: “We have healing hands, don’t we, Kingy!” a cheeky nod to the so-called “handshake” situation in India. When Ellis mentioned popcorn, Matt Short laughed and added: “Put some salt on it.

The most pointed comment came from Josh Hazlewood, who said: “And the shooter? – a phrase that many interpreted as a subtle reference to the tense moments between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup. Australian white-ball captain Mitchell Marsh, spinner Sophie Molineux and batter Grace Harris also joined in the fun, with Molineux mockingly raising his hand before jokingly showing two fingers.

The video ends with Marsh, Hazlewood and others bursting into laughter as the presenters conclude: “We all know that India is on its way. But we have identified a critical weakness. They’re not big fans of the traditional greeting, so we may throw them out before we’ve even thrown a ball.

Here is the video:

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2025 Asia Cup ‘handshake’ controversy against Pakistan

The 2025 Asia Cup was remembered not only for its cricketing drama but also for the off-field tensions between India and Pakistan. The controversy began after reports surfaced that Suryakumar Yadav The Indian team refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the matches, a decision believed to be linked to the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Things got even worse when India reportedly refused to accept the runners-up trophy. Mohs NaqviChairman of ACC and PCB, who is also the Interior Minister of Pakistan. These incidents became symbolic of the frosty relations between the two cricket boards, sparking widespread media coverage and political commentary. Australia’s decision to refer to these tensions, even in jest, has now fueled discussions over whether the jokes were pure humor or a deliberate psychological tactic ahead of the first ODI.

AUS vs IND 2025: Mind games begin ahead of ODI series

The verbal jabs come just days before India’s tour of Australia, which begins with a three-match ODI series followed by five T20Is, starting October 19 in Perth. This series will also mark the return of Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma in international cricket for the first time since the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph.

While Patrick Cummins has been ruled out of the ODIs due to a back injury and will be rested ahead of the Ashes starting November 21. Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood are confirmed to feature in the ODI squad. Steve Smithmeanwhile, withdrew from ODIs following Australia’s semi-final loss to India earlier this year in Dubai. In addition, Adam Zampa and Josh Inglis are set to miss the series opener, which will further test the depth of the Australian team.

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