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Abdullah Zahid
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released a humorous yet pointed promotional video ahead of the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Australia, highlighting Pakistan’s famed hospitality while taking a clear dig at India’s recent “no handshake” controversy.
The short video, shared on PCB’s official social media platforms days before the series opener, quickly went viral, drawing praise from Pakistani fans and criticism from Indian users. The campaign blends satire with soft messaging as Pakistan prepares to host Australia for a crucial bilateral series.
The video opens with an Australian tourist arriving in Pakistan and visiting Lahore’s historic Badshahi Mosque, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. The scene then shifts to a local restaurant, where the visitor is served an elaborate spread of traditional Pakistani cuisine, showcasing the country’s culinary diversity and culture.
When the bill arrives, the tourist appears visibly concerned over its size. A waiter reassures him that the payment has already been taken care of by “Agha ji,” a reference to Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Agha. The moment subtly positions the skipper as a symbolic host, reinforcing the theme of generosity.
Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed also features in the clip, encouraging the tourist to enjoy the meal without worry. The light-hearted interactions underline the idea that guests in Pakistan are treated with warmth and respect, both on and off the field.
#𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐖𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 💪🇵🇰🇦🇺
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 21, 2026
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The video’s most talked-about moment comes during a taxi ride. The driver refuses to accept fare money, stating that guests are not charged in Pakistan. However, as the tourist steps out without offering a handshake, the driver jokingly remarks, “You forgot the handshake. Looks like you stopped by the neighbours as well.”
The line is widely seen as a direct reference to India’s decision during the 2025 Asia Cup, when Indian players declined post-match handshakes with Pakistani cricketers. The gesture sparked widespread debate and was later echoed by India’s women’s and junior teams, further intensifying the controversy.
The issue drew international attention at the time, with several Australian players publicly poking fun at the decision, calling it unnecessary and against the spirit of the game. The PCB’s promo appears to revive that episode in a tongue-in-cheek manner, without explicitly naming India.
The video concludes with Salman Ali Agha delivering a clear message. He says Pakistanis are gracious hosts, but once the action shifts to the cricket field, the team is fully prepared to compete fiercely. The closing line reinforces the balance between sportsmanship and competitiveness.
Since its release, the promo has generated significant engagement online. Pakistani fans have applauded the creativity and humor, while many Indian users criticized it as provocative. Despite the mixed reactions, the video has successfully drawn attention to the series.
Pakistan and Australia are set to play the first T20I on January 29 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The second match will be held on January 31, followed by the final game on February 1. The series is being seen as an important preparatory assignment ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, giving both teams a chance to test combinations and build momentum.
