Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad on Sunday, February 15, slammed Wasim Akram over embracing star India batter Rohit Sharma ahead of the marquee T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, saying that the legendary
pacer always finds a way to shake hands in situations where it’s required.
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav skipped a handshake with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during the toss of their T20 World Cup clash in Colombo on Sunday, continuing a streak that dates back to last year’s Asia Cup in Dubai.
“The no-handshake policy will continue,” a BCCI official in Colombo confirmed to PTI an hour before the match. But Akram and Rohit didn’t show any signs of enmity and embraced each other in a warm hug ahead of the game.
“I don’t get it. When Pakistan threatened a boycott, they backed down, saying, ‘Play, play, we are losing billions.’ Fine, you want to play in that country. You don’t want to shake hands? Sanitise your hands, shake afterwards,” former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir said while speaking on a Pakistani show.
“You won’t look bad. But this? I just don’t understand it,” Amir added.
There were no handshakes between the cricketers and support staff of the two teams after the game, a practice Suryakumar has maintained to honour the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims and show solidarity with the Indian Army after Operation Sindoor.
After the show host pointed out the interaction between Rohit and Akram, Shehzad said, “Wasim bhai always finds a way to shake hands. He shakes hands wherever it’s necessary.”
“Is this a criticism or do you think it’s good?” the host asked Shehzad. The latter replied, “No, it is a good thing. He has his own examples. Wherever you are, do what is appropriate. He explains this.”
It was clear the status quo would continue, as on the eve of the game, neither Suryakumar nor Salman committed to a handshake.
