The India cricket team's brand ambassador Rohit Sharma and Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram embraced warmly during a ceremonial walk with the T20 World Cup trophy before the high-voltage clash. The viral moment stood in sharp contrast to the no-handshake policy India has maintained against Pakistan teams since the Asia Cup.
Rohit, who was present at the venue in his capacity as a brand ambassador, appeared relaxed while offering encouragement to players before the match that India would go on to win by 61 runs.