Pakistan Tries To Take Dig At India With PAK vs AUS Series Ad Promo, Gets Trolled From Indian Fans

The already strained sporting relationship between India and Pakistan has found a fresh flashpoint, this time off the field. On Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the promotional video for Pakistan's upcoming white-ball series against Australia, but what was meant to be a light-hearted teaser has sparked controversy for taking a subtle jab at India.

Relations between the two nations have remained tense for decades, but the divide has widened further since the Pahalgam attacks by PAK terrorists in April 2025 and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor.

In the aftermath, India has adopted a firm stance across several platforms, including cricket, where Indian teams have avoided handshakes with Pakistan players. This approach was first

noticed during the 2025 Asia Cup and has since continued across women's and Under-19 matches as well.

While Pakistani players have previously voiced their displeasure over India's "no handshake" policy, the BCCI and Indian teams have largely ignored the criticism. The latest PCB promo, however, appears to reference that very stance, drawing sharp reactions from Indian fans online.

The video focuses on showcasing Pakistan as a warm and welcoming host, with actors portraying Australian tourists exploring the country. Pakistan's T20I captain Salman Ali Agha also makes a brief appearance, reinforcing the message of hospitality. But it is the closing moments of the ad that have ignited debate.

In the final scene, a tourist exits a cab without shaking hands with the driver, who promptly calls him back, saying, "Handshake bhool gaye aap, shaayad humaare padosiyaan ke wahaan rukhe the. " The remark, loosely translated as "You forgot the handshake, perhaps you stayed at our neighbour's place," was widely interpreted as a dig at India.

While such banter is common on social media, many fans felt its inclusion in an official promotional video for an international series crossed a line. Indian supporters quickly took to social platforms to criticise the PCB. Several users also mocked the attempt, calling it unnecessary and counterproductive.

Here are some of the reactions of the Indian fans.

3 T20 wali series ke liye itni badi ad bana di 🤡🤡🤡

- Peter-endra Griffin 🇮🇳 (@PeterGriffin720) January 21, 2026

'Lagaatar Har rahe ho ek baar haarne ke baad fir share karna' (You keep losing continuously. Share it again once you lose again), another fan reversed it back.

Cry more🤣 pic.twitter.com/oewMdqqSoQ

- SHRISTI ROY (@Magadhii_) January 21, 2026

''Trophy ko chori mat karna last ke tarah'' (Don't steal the trophy like last time), an user reminded Pakistan of their Asia Cup antics.

Still begging for a handshake. Get over it man jeez

- + (@Xaanx_) January 21, 2026

This is not the first time Pakistan cricket has blended national sentiment and online narratives into its messaging or on-field gestures in recent months.

As the Pakistan-Australia series approaches, the focus is expected to shift back to cricket, but the controversial promo has once again highlighted how deeply intertwined politics and sport remain in the subcontinent.