No hostility in cricket: Rohit Sharma, Wasim Akram hug goes viral

Monday 16 February, 2026 | 2:29 PM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

COLOMBO: Visuals that show there is no place for hostility in sports are now going viral on social media. The scenes are from the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan held in Colombo on Sunday. During a ceremony held ahead of the match, former Indian captain and star batsman Rohit Sharma was seen sharing a warm hug with former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram. The video of the two cricketing icons greeting each other and exchanging a brief conversation has attracted wide attention online.

The moment has gained added significance as it comes against the backdrop of reports that Indian players had decided not to shake hands with Pakistani players following the Pahalgam attack. Since the incident, Indian players have reportedly avoided handshakes with Pakistani cricketers during match events. The same approach was followed during the T20 World Cup match in Colombo as well.

While debates continue over the issue, the friendly exchange between Rohit Sharma and Wasim Akram has struck a positive note among fans. The video has received a strong and largely appreciative response on social media.

Rohit Sharma attended the event in Colombo as the ambassador of the T20 World Cup. Ahead of the formal ceremony held at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Rohit and Wasim Akram shared a brief conversation, posed for photographs, and embraced each other.