Harbhajan Singh, Shahnawaz Dahani handshake throws internet into frenzy

ABU DHABI: A moment of unexpected sportsmanship grabbed the spotlight after the T10 League clash between Northern Warriors and Aspen Stallions in Abu Dhabi, when former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh warmly shook hands with Pakistani fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani.

The handshake came immediately after a thrilling contest in which Dahani starred, defending just 8 runs in the final over to secure Aspen Stallions’ first win of the tournament. The Northern Warriors emerged victorious by a narrow margin of four runs, with the Stallions falling agonizingly short at 107 for four.

In the last over, Dahani’s brilliant bowling saw him concede only two runs while taking two crucial wickets, nearly turning the game in his team’s favor. Harbhajan Singh, captaining the Warriors, came out to bat in the final moments but failed to score the six runs required off the last two balls and was run out on the final delivery.

After the match, as per tradition, players from both teams exchanged handshakes. However, the warm handshake between Harbhajan and Dahani quickly went viral on social media. Fans praised it as a display of sportsmanship, while others criticized it, recalling Harbhajan’s past refusal to play against Pakistan Legends twice during the World Championship of Legends in England.

The issue of India-Pakistan handshakes has been a recurring topic this year. During the Asia Cup 2025, Indian players did not formally shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts in any of the three matches, and in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, the captains of both teams similarly avoided handshakes during the toss.

This latest incident has reignited discussions on sportsmanship and the delicate balance between rivalry and respect in cricket.