In a rare and unexpected moment of warmth between Indian and Pakistani cricketers, former all-rounders Irfan Pathan and Shoaib Malik were seen sharing a brief side-hug after an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The gesture stood out sharply against the tense backdrop that has defined cricketing ties between the two nations in recent times.
The short-format exhibition contest itself was closely fought. Batting first, Pakistan posted 56 for 4 in four overs, with Shoaib Malik rolling back the years with a fluent 34, while Imran Nazir chipped in with 16. India’s chase never quite gathered momentum, and they eventually finished on 51 for 4, falling five runs short.
Irfan Pathan and Stuart Binny were at the crease when the match ended, and both were seen exchanging handshakes and pleasantries with the Pakistani players, capped off by Pathan’s cordial embrace with Malik. What made the moment striking was the larger context surrounding India-Pakistan cricket relations. Since the Pahalgam terror attack earlier in 2025, ties between the two sides have plunged into a deep freeze that goes well beyond competitive rivalry.
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The strain spilled visibly onto the field during the Asia Cup, where the Indian team broke with long-standing tradition by refusing to shake hands with Pakistan players. The stance was widely viewed as deliberate and symbolic, reflecting the broader political and diplomatic tensions.
On-field exchanges during that period only added fuel to the fire. Gestures from players on both sides, including provocative celebrations referencing sensitive real-world incidents, drew heavy criticism and further poisoned the atmosphere.
The situation reached an awkward climax during a trophy presentation involving PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, when confusion and protest reportedly led to the trophy being removed prematurely, leaving the tournament without a proper closing ceremony.
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Against that backdrop, Pathan and Malik’s friendly interaction quickly went viral on social media. While some fans welcomed the display of sportsmanship, others criticised Irfan Pathan and Stuart Binny, expressing displeasure over any public cordiality with Pakistani players amid ongoing tensions. The mixed reaction underlined just how emotionally charged India-Pakistan cricket continues to be, even in exhibition settings far removed from official competition.
