The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released a promotional video for the upcoming Pakistan–Australia T20 series, hinting at India over the recent no-handshake controversy. The promo highlights Pakistan’s hospitality and love for cricket while adding a humorous jab at a past incident.
In one scene, an Australian tourist rides a taxi where the driver refuses payment, thanking the guest instead. When the Australian exits without offering a handshake, the driver remarks, “Handshake bhool gaye aap, lagta hai padosiyo ke paas bhi ruke the” (“You forgot the handshake, looks like you even stopped by the neighbors”). This line is widely interpreted as a reference to India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players during the ACC Asia Cup 2025, an act later repeated by India’s women’s and junior teams.
The promo also features a character, Agha Ji, who emphasizes that while Pakistanis are generally hospitable, they are always ready to compete on the cricket field. The video appears to blend humor with a subtle reminder of past tensions, keeping the spotlight on Pakistan’s competitive spirit.
The series against Australia will consist of three T20 matches in Lahore, starting January 29, with the second and third matches on January 31 and February 1. The PCB’s promotional effort sets an engaging tone for the series while highlighting both hospitality and cricketing pride.
