Fans react as Harbhajan Singh’s handshake with Pakistani cricketer in Abu Dhabi T10 league goes viral
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan SinghHandshake with Pakistani player Shahnawaz Dahani during the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 sparked a lot of reactions and controversies among fans. This gesture, observed after the third match of the tournament on November 19 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, comes in a context of persistent political tensions between India And Pakistanespecially after the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. Harbhajan, captain of the Aspin Stallions, exchanged pleasantries with Dahani, a moment which stood in stark contrast to the recent trend where Indian teams have avoided such gestures with Pakistani players.
Harbhajan Singh handshake controversy amid political tensions
The video of Harbhajan shaking hands with Dahani quickly went viral on social media, dividing opinions among fans and cricket enthusiasts. Since the Pahalgam attack, the Indian men’s and women’s teams have largely refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during matches, including the Asian Cup 2025 and the recent Women’s Cricket World Cup. This no handshake policy has become a symbolic stance representing the strained diplomatic relations between the two nations in the sporting field.
Moreover, Harbhajan had already joined retired Indian cricketers. Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan PathanAnd Suresh Raina during the boycott matches against Pakistan at the World Legends Championship. Citing nationalist sentiment, these players stated that “blood and sweat cannot coexist,” leading India to concede a victory and allowing Pakistan to qualify directly for the final. Such actions reflect the deep-seated political nuances affecting cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
Despite this context, Harbhajan’s handshake with Dahani is seen as a significant departure from the prevailing attitude. Some fans vehemently criticized the move as a violation of patriotism, while others hailed it as a moment of sportsmanship that transcends politics. This incident presents a nuanced perspective on cricket as a platform where sport and politics intersect, but also where gestures of goodwill still find space.
Also READ: ‘RIP Test Cricket’: Harbhajan Singh slams Kolkata field after India’s shock defeat to South Africa
Here’s how fans reacted:
In July – Harbhajan Singh withdrew from the match against Pakistan in WCL.
In November, Harbhajan Singh was seen shaking hands with Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. pic.twitter.com/Xx9KWKsVDL
– ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) November 20, 2025
Harbhajan Singh 🤝🏼 Shahnawaz Dahani
The players were seen shaking hands after the Abu Dhabi T10 match between Aspin Stallions and Northern Warriors, which the latter won thanks to a fine spell from Dahani! 🙌🏻
A good show to see? 🤩🫣#ShahnawazDahani #HarbhajanSingh pic.twitter.com/xEzSLwo7ys
– CricStats (@CricStatsINT) November 20, 2025
I haven’t played against Pakistan Legends and now I’m shaking hands with a Pakistani player.
• This is Harbhajan Singh for you.
• Appreciation for ShahNawaz Dahani who defended 8 in the last over picking up 2 wickets for just 3 runs. pic.twitter.com/CtSN5dIFEl
—Nawaz. (@Rnawaz0) November 19, 2025
🚨Harbhajan Singh abandons no handshake policy🚨
Former Indian cricket team player Harbhajan Singh shook hands with Pakistan bowler Shahnawaz Dahani during the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 League.
(Via-NDTV Sports)#HarbhajanSingh pic.twitter.com/f3MINboeKl
– Ravi (@IamRavigupta_) November 20, 2025
Harbhajan Singh shaking hands with Shahnawaz Dahani. Looks like no handshake policy applies only to those wearing a Pakistani shirt. pic.twitter.com/6jTRFDwnzX
– Mohammed Lareb (@M_Lareb7) November 20, 2025
@harbhajan_singh Ab boycotts Karna Bhag Gaye Paaji pic.twitter.com/GEJiftA6mr
–Parag (@paragrege31) November 20, 2025
What a joke dude, touting T10 performance and that too against 45 year old Harbhajan Singh who is a tailender https://t.co/Jpm05tgdPg
– Muqtada Hameed (@muqihameed) November 20, 2025
Harbhajan Singh 🤦🏼♂️🇮🇳#India#Pakistan pic.twitter.com/hnzsw5oF9S
– MK Meena (@MausamKumarMee4) November 20, 2025
What is this doglapanti sansad ji?@harbhajan_singh pic.twitter.com/tYErQ8z8LJ
– Gauti Harshit Dhiman (@GautiDhiman) November 20, 2025
Harbhajan Singh shared a warm handshake with Shahnawaz Dahani after the Abu Dhabi T10 match 🇵🇰🇮🇳🤝
Dahani responded with a smile – one wonders why we don’t see the same energy in international matches. Interesting contrast. 🤐 pic.twitter.com/TAQwC47DVQ– Abbey 🫀 (@CrickTrack360) November 19, 2025
I haven’t played against Pakistan Legends and now I’m shaking hands with a Pakistani player 🤣
This is Harbhajan Singh Daddoo for you 🤣
Appreciation for Dhani who defended 8 in the last over picking up 2 wickets for just 3 runs.#T10 pic.twitter.com/aBC6KtfFYs
– Said Usama (@Saith__Usama) November 19, 2025
Northern Warriors defeat Aspin Stallions in Abu Dhabi T10 League
In the hotly contested Match 3 of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, Harbhajan’s Aspin Stallions took on Northern Warriors. The Stallions posted a total of 110/7 in the 10-over format, but narrowly lost by four runs as the Northern Warriors easily chased down 114/1. Harbhajan contributed with the ball conceding eight runs in his over and was run out for a single on the last ball of the match.
Dahani emerged as the player of the match with impressive figures of 2/10, taking key wickets including Saif Hassan And Tymal Mills. Dahani’s bowling performance and the brief post-match handshake between him and Harbhajan Singh became important talking points, amplifying the attention surrounding this match far beyond the cricketing action itself.
The Abu Dhabi T10 League, known for its fast-paced and exciting 10-a-side matches, continues to attract top talent and present intense competition. This latest incident adds another layer to the tournament narrative, highlighting how cricketing gestures in mixed competitions can spark important public and political debate during turbulent times.
ALSO READ: Indian ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya performs traditional puja with girlfriend Maheika Sharma
