ICC T20 WC 2026: Shoaib Akhtar rebukes Indian anchor, urges focus on sports over politics  

Former pacer emphasises that the show was meant to focus on sports rather than political issues  

RAWALPINDI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Feb 16^th, 2026) Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Monday expressed displeasure during a live appearance on an Indian television sports programme after a heated exchange with a female anchor over the direction of the discussion.

The clips which went viral showed that the disagreement began when the anchor suggested that Akhtar should consider “another perspective.” In response, the former pacer emphasised that the show was meant to focus on sports rather than political issues.

Addressing the anchor, Akhtar said that regardless of religious differences, she was like a sister to him, but stressed that the programme should remain centred on cricket. “This is not a political programme; it is a sports show. We should talk about sports,” he remarked, adding that he had many points he could raise if the debate shifted beyond cricket.

During the conversation, Akhtar referred to his efforts to promote positive sporting relations between the two countries.

He said he had attended an Under-19 match in the past and openly praised Indian captain Rohit Sharma, underscoring the need to set constructive examples through the game.

Commenting on the recent handshake controversy between players of the two sides, Akhtar said refusing to shake hands after a match projects a negative image internationally. He maintained that if teams choose to compete, they should uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, including customary gestures such as handshakes.

He further stated that if a side is unwilling to engage fully in competition, it should reconsider participation altogether.

The incident has sparked debate on social media, with many users discussing the boundaries between sports and politics in cross-border contests.