The warm embrace between the cricketing icons, captured before India's high-voltage clash with Pakistan, stood in sharp contrast to the frostiness that has defined on-field protocol between the teams. Rohit, present as a brand ambassador, and Pakistan pace legend Akram shared laughter and a brief chat before walking out with the T20 World Cup trophy.
The gesture came as India maintained their no-handshake stance with Pakistan, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav avoiding the customary greeting at the toss. Amid the charged atmosphere surrounding the rivalry, the embrace offered a softer image of respect between players from opposite sides of the border.