WATCH: Irfan Pathan, Shoaib Malik share hug after epic double wicket clash

JEDDAH: Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik and former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan shared a warm hug following Pakistan’s victory over India in the F2 Double Wicket match at the World Cricket Festival on Thursday in Saudi Arabia.

The highlight video from the clash showed players from both sides exchanging handshakes and high-fives, with Malik and Irfan hugging.

The sportsmanship saga between India and Pakistan, marked by high-profile controversies in cricket, stood in contrast to the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 when India captain Suryakumar Yadav notably avoided shaking hands with Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha.

The tension began in the group-stage clash of the Asia Cup, continued through the Super Four, and culminated in the final, where India defeated Pakistan but chose not to personally accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Chairman and ACC President.

Similar incidents were reported in the Women’s World Cup clash between the two sides and the Hong Kong Super Sixes, major ACC events where handshakes and courtesies were allegedly ignored.

The tensions escalated further when India boycotted playing against Pakistan in the second season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), refusing to face them in both the group stage and the semifinal.

In the match, Pakistan batted first, posting 56-4 in four overs, with Malik striking a fiery 34 and Imran Nazir contributing 16. In reply, India were restricted to 51-4, falling short of the target.

This win marks Pakistan’s third consecutive victory in the tournament. Earlier, they defeated the UAE, scoring 82-1 in four overs, powered by aggressive innings from Malik and Nazir, while UAE lost all six wickets. 

Against Sri Lanka, the Lankan Lions made 75-3, but Pakistan chased it down comfortably with 99-0, highlighted by Malik’s exceptional 56-run innings and a vital 30 from Nazir.