Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar downplays hype over India-Pakistan clash, refutes claims Pakistan As a powerful opponent of the man in blue. The two teams will face off in a match in Group A 2026 T20 World Cup February 15 in Colombo.

However, in a sudden turn of events, Pakistan threatened to boycott the match, leaving the match in doubt. If the Men in Green give up the game against India, India will win while Pakistan will suffer a net run-rate impact in addition to defeat.

However, Manjrekar It is thought that the cancellation of the match against Pakistan did not matter to the Indian fans considering the difference in quality between the two teams.

“The India-Pakistan match, if it didn’t happen, was not a big deal. To be honest, for a long time, the actual match never lived up to the pre-match hype and drama. The reason is obvious. 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 beat the Minnows,” he said (via His Instagram account).

Manjrekar continued:

“This is how Pakistan cricket has deteriorated. I saw it in the Asia Cup as well. You just have to compare the young players in the Indian cricket system and the Pakistani cricket system. That’s the difference between earth and sky.”

India have won their last eight matches against Pakistan and hold an incredible 15-1 record against their arch-rivals in the World Cup.

“India needs to beat these teams so that we can be proud of this Indian team” – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar believes games against Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa will be huge for the team indian team Than those targeting Pakistan. The Men in Blue have defeated their mainland rivals on their last three occasions to claim the 2025 Asian Cup title.

“If the match between India and Pakistan doesn’t happen in this world event, it won’t be a big deal because there are Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa. These are matches to watch and India needs to beat these teams so that we can be proud of this Indian team,” said Manjrekar (via the source mentioned above).

He concluded:

“I’ve never understood the hype and for me, it’s not a big thing. The India vs Pakistan game, whether it happens or not, although it’s unfortunate if it doesn’t happen because you don’t want someone to give up the game or give up the game, but it doesn’t take away from the value of the tournament. What matters is the other four teams and these are the games I’m looking forward to.”

India are the defending T20 champions but Pakistan were eliminated in the first round of the same tournament due to winning the 2024 World Cup.