Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has downplayed the hype around the India-Pakistan match in the major ICC events. Pakistan has threatened to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, which is all set to be played on February 15 in Colombo.
Manjrekar highlighted that India has dominated Pakistan in the major tournaments and the rivalry is not the same it used to be. India has a 13-3 win-loss record against Pakistan in T20Is, whereas the Men in Blue have a 7-1 record against the arch-rivals in the T20 World Cup.
“India-Pakistan match, if it doesn’t happen, no big deal. Honestly, for a long time now, the actual game never lives up to the hype and the drama we have before the match. And the reason for that is obvious. It’s that India and Pakistan are not in the same league anymore. Earlier, in the 90s and before, it was fun because Pakistan was a strong team. But not anymore. Now when India beats Pakistan, it’s almost like India is beating the minnows,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on his Instagram handle.
“That’s how Pakistan cricket has deteriorated. I saw that in the Asia Cup as well. You just have to compare the young players that come through the Indian cricket system versus the Pakistan cricket system. It’s the difference between the earth and the sky.”
Manjrekar said it won’t be a big deal if Pakistan doesn’t play against India, as teams like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and England are real threats for Suryakumar Yadav’s team.
“If India-Pakistan doesn’t happen in this world event, it’s not a big deal because you still have Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. Those are the matches to watch, and those are the teams that India needs to beat for us to feel proud about this Indian team,” said Manjrekar (via the aforementioned source).
“I’ve never understood this hype, and for me, it’s a non-event. India-Pakistan match, if it happens or not, while it’s unfortunate if it doesn’t happen as you don’t want somebody giving a walkover or forfeiting a game, it won’t bring the value of the tournament down. It’s the other four teams that matter, and those are the matches I’ll be looking forward to.”
India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on February 7.
