For a while, it felt like the most intense rivalry in world cricket had gone soft. The blood-pumping showdowns of the past gave way to heartwarming hugs, jersey exchanges, and social media praise between India and Pakistan players. Virat Kohli praising Babar Azam. Mohammad Rizwan hugging Indian players after a match. Rohit Sharma and Shaheen Afridi laughing mid-game.
It was… nice.
Too nice, perhaps.
But it has shifted in recent times. The air feels heavier, the eyes more steely, the celebrations louder — and fans across both nations can sense it: the India-Pakistan rivalry is back on the boil.
So, is the India-Pakistan rivalry finally back on track? If by “on track” we mean emotions, abuses, tension, nationalism, and nerve-wracking cricket.. And on top of that No Handshakes.