Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan SinghHandshake with Pakistan Bowler Shahnawaz Dahani during Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025 It caused widespread reactions and controversy among fans. The gesture, seen after Match 3 of the tournament on November 19 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, comes amid ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistanespecially after the pahalgam attack earlier this year. Aspin stallions exchanged bonnet stickers, cats with Dahani, a moment of understanding with Dahani at a time when the Indian teams were barring such gestures with Pakistani players.
Harbhajan Singh’s handshake controversy amid political tension
The video of Harbhajan shaking hands with Dahani quickly went viral on social media, creating a divide among fans and cricket lovers. Since the Pahalgam attack, the Indian men’s and women’s teams have also shaken hands with their Pakistani counterparts, including Asian Cup 2025 and the end Women’s Cricket World Cup. This handshake policy became a symbolic position in the sports arena, representing the strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Moreover, Harbhajan had earlier joined retired Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathanand Suresh Raina In boycotting matches against Pakistan in the World Legends Championship. Nationalist thinking meant that these players were “Blood and sweat cannot exist,“India’s lead to allow a walk-off and Pakistan’s direct qualification to the final. Such moves reflect the deep political underpinnings that influence cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
Despite this backdrop, Harbhajan’s handshake with Dahani is seen as a significant departure from the prevailing attitude. Some fans vehemently criticized the gesture as a breach of patriotism, while others praised it as a moment of sportsmanship that transcended politics. The event offers a nuanced perspective on cricket as a platform where sport and politics intersect, yet gestures of goodwill still find a place.
Read: ‘RIP Test cricket’: Harbhajan Singh on Kolkata pitch after India’s shock defeat to South Africa
Here is the reaction of the fans:
In July – Harbhajan Singh was withdrawn from the match against Pakistan in the WCL.
In November – Harbhajan Singh was seen shaking hands with Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani at the Abu Dhabi T10 League. pic.twitter.com/xx9kwksvdl
– ICC Asia Cricket (@iccasiatricket) November 20, 2025
Harbhajan Singh 🤝🏼 Shahnawaz Dahani
Abu Dhabi T10 was won by players shaking hands after the match, between aspin buildings and northern warriors, courtesy of Dahani’s subtle magic! 🙌🏻
A good sight to see? 🤩🫣#Shahnawazdahani #Harbhajansingh pic.twitter.com/xezslwo7ys
– Cricstats (@cricstatsint) November 20, 2025
He didn’t play against Pakistan legends and now he shook hands with Pakistan player.
• This is Harbhajan Singh for you.
• Kudos to Shahnawaz Dahani who defended 8 in the last over with 2 wickets for just 3 runs. pic.twitter.com/ctsn5Difel
– NAWAZ. (@Rnawaz0) November 19, 2025
🚨harbhajan singh handshake policy
Former Indian Cricket Team spinner Harbhajan Singh shakes hands with Pakistan Bowler Shahnawaz Dahani during the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 League.
(Via-NDTV sports)#Harbhajansingh pic.twitter.com/f3minboekl
– Ravi (@iamraviguptka_) November 20, 2025
Harbhajan Singh shook hands with Shahnawaz Dahani. The no handshake policy is for Pakistani shirt wearers only. pic.twitter.com/6jtrfdwnzx
– Muhammad Lareb (@m_lareb7) November 20, 2025
@harbhajan_singh Ab boycott karna bhag gaye paaji pic.twitter.com/gejifta6mr
– Parag (@paragrege31) November 20, 2025
A joke that makes T10 plays, something against Harbhajan Singh, 45, IN T10 https://t.co/jpm05tgdpg
– Muqtada Hameed (@muqihameed) November 20, 2025
Harbhajan Singh 🤦🏼♂️🇮🇳#india# Pakistan pic.twitter.com/hnzsw5of9s
– MK Meena (@mausamkummumarmee4) November 20, 2025
What is this doglapanti sansad ji?@harbhajan_singh pic.twitter.com/tyerq8z8lj
– Gauti Harshit Dhiman (@gautidhiman) November 20, 2025
Harbhajan Singh shares a warm handshake with Shahnawaz Dahani after Abu Dhabi T10 match
Dahani replied with a smile – wondering why we don’t see the same energy in international fixtures. An interesting contrast. 🤐 pic.twitter.com/taqwc47dvq– Abbey 🫀 (@CrickTrack360) November 19, 2025
He didn’t play against Pakistan legends and now don’t shake hands with Pakistan player 🤣
This is Harbhajan Singh Daddoo for you
Credit to Dhani, who defends 8 in the end, picking up 2 wickets for just 3 runs.# T10 pic.twitter.com/abc6ktffys
– Saith Osama (@saith__osama) November 19, 2025
Northern Warriors defeated Aspin Tailors in Abu Dhabi T10 League
Harbhajan’s aspin stacker faced the northern batsmen in a closely contested Abu Dhabi T10 League 3 encounter. The Stallions posted a total of 110/7 in the 10-over format but narrowly lost by four runs as the northerners were reduced to 114/1. Harbhajan contributed with the ball collecting eight runs in one and was run out on his own off the last ball of the match.
Dahani appeared as a player of the match with impressive figures on 2/10 Saif Hassan and Tymal Mills. Dahani’s bowling performance and the brief post-match handshake between him and Harbhajan Singh became prominent talking points, shifting the focus around this fixture far beyond the cricketing action.
Known for its fast-paced and exciting 10-match schedule, the Abu Dhabi T10 League continues to attract strong competition from premier talent and talent. This latest incident adds another layer to the tournament’s narrative, highlighting how hard-hitting snarky gestures can be in mixed-nationality contests.
