Hollywood actor Kumail Nanjiani has voiced his disappointment regarding the Indian cricket team's decision not to shake hands with Pakistani players following their Asia Cup match earlier this year. Nanjiani, who has Pakistani roots, expressed his views on Hasan Minhaj's YouTube channel, lamenting the absence of the "brotherhood vibe" that he associated with past India-Pakistan matches.

Nanjiani recalled a time when India-Pakistan cricket matches were characterized by mutual respect and a shared culture, despite the political tensions between the two countries. He emphasized that the players respected each other and were often friends, with the competition on the field not translating into personal animosity. "It was not hatred. There was real respect," Nanjiani stated. "Those players respected each other and were friends with each other... I never felt like those teams did not like each other. It is different now".

The actor contrasted this with the current state of affairs, pointing to the incident where the Indian team declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. Nanjiani described this as "such a shame," highlighting the importance of sports as a platform to set aside differences and foster camaraderie. He suggested that the increasing influence of politics and nationalism is negatively impacting the spirit of the game.

Nanjiani also touched on the changing dynamics of the India-Pakistan rivalry, noting that Pakistan is "not that great" while India is currently "the best team in the world". He suggested that, previously, the fact that both teams were among the best in the world added to the unique appeal of the matches.

The incident that sparked Nanjiani's comments occurred after the Asia Cup 2025 Group A match between India and Pakistan. The Indian team's refusal to participate in the customary post-match handshake drew criticism from some observers, who viewed it as a sign of strained relations between the two nations.

Nanjiani's remarks have resonated with many who share his concerns about the growing animosity in India-Pakistan sporting events. Some believe that the incident reflects a broader trend of political tensions overshadowing cultural and sporting ties between the two countries. Others argue that it is essential to maintain a sense of perspective and not allow political disputes to undermine the spirit of sportsmanship.