Rohit Sharma and Wasim Akram embraced warmly before the India-Pakistan clash in Colombo, creating a viral moment amid diplomatic tensions between the cricketing rivals. The gesture stood in contrast to India's continued no-handshake stance with Pakistan, maintained since the Asia Cup.
The former India captain, present as a World Cup brand ambassador, shared laughs and photos with Akram while walking out with the trophy, offering a softer image as cricket's biggest rivalry unfolded.