 "Harbhajan Singh’s hand shake with Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani has become a major flashpoint. Image: Cricbuzz")
Videos of Indian cricket great Harbhajan Singh shaking hands with a Pakistani cricketer are going viral on social media, with Pakistan fans slamming the veteran for ‘double standards’. In the videos going viral, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh can be seen shaking hands with Pakistan pacer Shahnawaz Dahani after the Abu Dhabi T10 League match between Northern Warriors and Aspin Stallions at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
The Indian cricket team, both men’s and women’s sides, have boycotted handshakes with the Pakistan teams in recent tournaments amid the worsening relationship between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Harbhajan Singh has also been a vocal critic of Pakistan in recent months , slamming the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for agreeing to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.
Harbhajan Singh was also part of the India Champions team that had boycotted matches against the Pakistan team in the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL).
Pakistan fans call out Harbhajan’s ‘double standards’
Thus, after watching the same Harbhajan Singh shake hands with a Pakistani cricketer in a private tournament, the fans from Pakistan criticised the legendary spinner for faking patriotism.
“Harbhajan Singh handshake with Shahnawaz Dahani. Ab kahan gai patriotism indians ki.”
Quick Reads
View AllA Pakistani supporter criticised Harbhajan Singh for exhibiting double standards with his actions. “Harbhajan Singh really forgot his own script. Boycotting India–Pakistan in the Legends League for ‘patriotism’… but happily shaking hands with Shahnawaz Dahani in T10 and eating at Pakistani restaurants in London. Double standards of the highest level,” he wrote.
Another fan wrote: “Didn’t play against Pakistan Legends and now shaking hands with Pakistani player. • That’s Harbhajan Singh for You.”
Questioning India’s policy to boycott handshakes with Pakistani cricketers, a fan wrote that it seems the boycott is limited only against players wearing the Pakistani jersey.
“Harbhajan Singh shaking hands with Shahnawaz Dahani. Seems like no handshake policy is only for those wearing Pakistani shirt.”
A few Pakistani fans also praised the 45-year-old Rajya Sabha MP for his friendly gesture towards a Pakistani cricketer.