Former Team India spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared his views on the handshake debate surrounding the match between India and Pakistan during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Harbhan said that players should focus on playing hard and let post-match gestures remain a personal choice, not an obligation.
India and Pakistan will meet at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. During the 2025 Asia Cup, Suryakumar Yadav chose not to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss. Players from both sides also avoided post-match handshakes at the Dubai International Stadium.
It Is Not Written in Any Book – Harbhajan Singh on the Handshake Row
Harbhajan Singh said that off-field gestures should not distract players or fans from the game. He stated that there is no rule that forces players to shake hands after a match. The former spinner added that such actions should depend on personal choice.
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“That is entirely the player’s wish. It is not written in any book that after a match, a handshake should be done or a hug should be given. So, play the match. Play with all your strength,” Harbhajan told PTI.
“If you feel that after that the handshake should be done or a hug should be given…it’s fine. If we talk about Australia and England players, they sit together after the match. Cricket should be seen as cricket,” he added.
He’s Hard to Hit on Bigger Grounds – Harbhajan Singh on Usman Tariq
Harbhajan Singh said that Usman Tariq has a unique skill set and delivered match-winning performances in the ILT20, especially in the semifinals and the final. He added that Tariq’s bowling is not just about his unusual pause-and-release action and that the spinner also has many variations.
“See, he’s someone that I have seen him bowl in ILT20, where he was a pick of the bowlers. Whenever he got the opportunity to play in the semifinal and the final, he was the man-of-the-match. He is different from the other spinners and has a lot of variations,” Harbhajan said.
“People are talking about him for his stand and deliver action. It’s not easy. You know, anybody can stand and bowl, but you’ve got to have different variations, which he’s got and he’s hard to hit in bigger grounds and slower pitches,” he added.
Abhishek Sharma Plays Spin Really Well and Dominates – Harbhajan Singh
The cricketer-turned-commentator said that India will benefit from Abhishek Sharma returning to full fitness. He stated that Abhishek can handle Usman Tariq and help blunt Pakistan’s threat.
“So, all I want to say is that be a little bit mindful when you’re playing against someone whom you have never faced before. India can tackle him and not give him any big wicket. It’s good to see Abhishek coming back, who plays spin really well and dominates (spin), throughout his innings,” he added.
Also read: Usman Tariq has mentally shattered India: Pakistan head coach makes explosive claim
