Shaheen Afridi sends warning to India ahead of T20 World Cup clash

LAHORE: Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has issued a stern warning to arch-rivals India ahead of their much-anticipated clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Colombo on February 15.

Speaking during a recent media interaction, Shaheen was asked about the controversial scenes witnessed during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. 

The incidents included Indian players allegedly refusing to shake hands with Pakistan players and opting not to receive 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 said. “Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our focus. We will try to respond on the field.”

Recently, former West Indies captain Jason Holder recently weighed in on the issue, expressing disappointment over the ongoing tensions and urging players from both nations to set a better example.

In an interview with an Indian sports platform, Holder described the situation as “sad” and referred specifically to the Asia Cup final, where India defeated Pakistan but reportedly did not step onto the stage to collect the trophy.

“I don’t like this whole India and Pakistan rivalry. They are two powerhouses in world cricket. To see how things have transpired, it’s just sad,” Holder said. “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.”

Holder further emphasised the responsibility cricketers carry as global role models.

“We as cricketers are ambassadors for the world. If we are talking about world peace and making the world a better place, that’s not what you want to see from your idols,” he added. “If you are inspiring a generation, we have to find a way to come together. I understand there is a long history behind it, but it can change if we, as cricketers, come together because we have influence.”

The sportsmanship controversy between India and Pakistan has extended beyond the Asia Cup. 

Tensions reportedly began during the group-stage clash, continued through the Super Four, and culminated in the final, where India defeated Pakistan but chose not to personally receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.

Similar incidents were also reported during a Women’s World Cup encounter between the two sides and at the Hong Kong Super Sixes — both ACC events — where customary handshakes and courtesies were allegedly ignored.

India also boycotted matches against Pakistan in the second season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), refusing to play them in both the group stage and the semi-final.