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Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh’s handshake with Pakistan bowler Shahnawaz Dahani during the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 has sparked widespread reactions and controversy among fans. The gesture, seen after Match 3 of the tournament on November 19 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, comes amid ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. Harbhajan, captaining the Aspin Stallions, exchanged pleasantries with Dahani, a moment that sharply contrasts the recent trend where Indian teams have avoided such gestures with Pakistani players.
Harbhajan Singh’s handshake controversy amid political tensions
The video of Harbhajan shaking hands with Dahani rapidly went viral on social media, dividing opinions among fans and cricket enthusiasts. Since the Pahalgam attack, Indian men’s and women’s teams have largely refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during matches, including the Asia Cup 2025 and the recent Women’s Cricket World Cup. This no-handshake policy became a symbolic stance representing the strained diplomatic relations between the two nations in the sporting arena.
Moreover, Harbhajan had previously joined retired Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, and Suresh Raina in boycotting matches against Pakistan at the World Championship of Legends. Citing nationalist sentiment, these players stated that “blood and sweat cannot co-exist,” leading India to concede a walkover and allowing Pakistan direct qualification to the final. Such actions reflect the deep-seated political undertones affecting cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
Despite this backdrop, Harbhajan’s handshake with Dahani is seen as a significant departure from the prevailing attitude. Some fans have criticized the gesture vehemently as a breach of patriotism, while others have praised 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, yet also where gestures of goodwill still find space.
Here’s how fans reacted:
In July – Harbhajan Singh withdrew from the match against Pakistan in the WCL.
In November – Harbhajan Singh was seen shaking hands with Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket)
Harbhajan Singh 🤝🏼 Shahnawaz Dahani
The players were seen shaking hands after the Abu Dhabi T10 match between Aspin Stallions and Northern Warriors, won by the later courtesy of a fine spell from Dahani! 🙌🏻
A good sight to see? 🤩🫣
— CricStats (@CricStatsINT)
Didn't play against Pakistan Legends and now shaking hands with Pakistani player.
• That's Harbhajan Singh for You.
• Appreciation for ShahNawaz Dahani who defended 8 in the last over by picking up 2 wickets for just 3 runs.
— Nawaz. (@Rnawaz0)
🚨Harbhajan Singh Ditches No-Handshake Policy🚨
Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh shook hands with Pakistan bowler Shahnawaz Dahani during the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 League.
(Via-NDTV Sports)
— Ravi (@IamRavigupta_)
Harbhajan Singh shaking hands with Shahnawaz Dahani. Seems like no handshake policy is only for those wearing Pakistani shirt.
— Muhammad Lareb (@M_Lareb7)
Ab boycott karna bhul gaye Paaji
— Parag (@paragrege31)
What a joke man hyping up T10 performances and that too against a 45 year old Harbhajan Singh who is a tailender
— Muqtada Hameed (@muqihameed)
Harbhajan Singh 🤦🏼♂️🇮🇳
— M K Meena (@MausamKumarMee4)
What's this doglapanti sansad ji?
— Gauti Harshit Dhiman (@GautiDhiman)
Harbhajan Singh shared a warm handshake with Shahnawaz Dahani after the Abu Dhabi T10 match 🇵🇰🇮🇳🤝
Dahani responded with a smile — makes you wonder why we don’t see the same energy in international fixtures. Interesting contrast. 🤐— Abbey 🫀 (@CrickTrack360)
Didn't play against Pakistan Legends and Now Shaking Hands with Pakistani Player 🤣
That's Harbhajan Singh Daddoo for You 🤣
Appreciation for Dhani who defended 8 in the last over by picking up 2 wickets for just 3 runs.
— Saith Usama (@Saith__Usama)
Northern Warriors defeat Aspin Stallions in Abu Dhabi T10 League
During the closely contested Match 3 of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, Harbhajan’s Aspin Stallions faced the 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 chased down 114/1 with ease. Harbhajan contributed with the ball by conceding eight runs in his one over and was run out for a single off the final ball of the match.
Dahani emerged as the Player of the Match with impressive figures of 2/10, picking up key wickets including Saif Hassan and Tymal Mills. Dahani’s bowling performance and the brief post-match handshake between him and Harbhajan Singh have become prominent talking points, amplifying the attention surrounding this fixture far beyond the cricketing action itself.
The Abu Dhabi T10 League, known for its fast-paced and thrilling 10-over matches, continues to draw premier talent and showcase intense competition. This latest incident adds another layer to the tournament’s narrative, highlighting how cricketing gestures in mixed-nationality competitions can ignite significant public and political debate in turbulent times.
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