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Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has delivered a pointed message to arch-rivals India ahead of their high-voltage encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played in Colombo on February 15.
The star pacer has stated that Pakistan will respond “on the field” amid growing concerns over sportsmanship between the two sides.
Speaking during a media interaction, Shaheen was asked about the controversial scenes witnessed during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, where Indian players reportedly declined customary handshakes with Pakistan players.
Indian players also decided not to accept the tournament trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
“People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship,” Shaheen Afridi said. “Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our focus. We will try to respond on the field.”
The comments come amid sustained debate over the deteriorating on-field conduct between the two cricketing giants.
The Asia Cup controversy was not limited to a single match, with tensions first surfacing during the group-stage fixture, continuing through the Super Four round and peaking in the final, where India defeated Pakistan.
The issue has since drawn reactions from the wider cricketing fraternity. Former West Indies captain Jason Holder recently expressed disappointment over the situation, urging players from both countries to rise above political and off-field tensions.
“I don’t like this whole India and Pakistan rivalry. They are two powerhouses in world cricket,” Holder said in an interview with an Indian sports platform.
“To see how things have transpired, it’s just sad. I saw India win the Asia Cup, and they didn’t go on stage to accept the trophy. I think it’s too much; these things should not be in our game.”
READ: Agha wants Pakistan to improve fielding ahead of T20 World Cup
