The race for India vs Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup is finally over. After the Pakistan government gave the green light to the national cricket team to play against India. However, Indian and Pakistani cricketers performed brilliantly both on and off the field but now things have changed after the Pahalgam terror attack. Things have fallen apart as the Indian players refused to shake hands with the players.

Former Pakistan World Cup winner Saklan Mushtaq shared his thoughts on the drubbing as spinners were part of India’s epic encounter with Pakistan, with the likes of Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar and Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Ajay Jadeja and Rahul Dravid sharing a mutual respect.

Sakran Mushtaq thinks India-Pakistan rivalry has broken down

Over the years, the India-Pakistan rivalry has been filled with camaraderie off the field. From Javed Miandad playing Holi with Sunil Gavaskar to Virat Kohli hugging Mohammad Rizwan after Pakistan defeated India in their first World Cup match, it was a sight to behold. When Jasprit Bumrah’s son was born, Shaheen Shah Afridi also gave him a gift. However, things have changed recently.

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“I don’t think those things (the old spirit of the game) will come back because things have gone too far,” Sakran Mushtaq told “Game On.” “On the other hand, they don’t want it to come back; they have kept it that way specifically to perfect their politics and will continue to do so.”

Saqlain Mushtaq was surprised to see a former Indian cricketer slamming Pakistan’s stance on the T20 World Cup. After the Pulwama incident in 2019 and the Pahalgam incident in 2025, the animosity between them deepened day by day.

“Recently, a former cricketer – I won’t reveal his name because it doesn’t feel right – was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect,” the former Pakistan spinner said.

Politics has taken over cricket

He replied: “Look, before I say anything, how can people talk about respect when they have no respect in the first place? I mean, use some common sense! What narrow-minded words are you talking about? You are a former cricketer. Players should be heroes and stars, stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to behave like a hero.”

Sakran Mushtaq said: “Politicians are doing what they do – they are playing politics. But you (former cricketers) should not talk like this. Don’t you understand? When you hit a boundary or take a wicket, everyone claps – from here to that. You don’t seem to understand. I say they need some sense on the other side of the border; they should speak a little smarter.”

India dominates Pakistan

Sakran Mushtaq concluded: “Even ex-cricketers over there are saying such strange things and spreading hatred. They don’t understand the purpose of this game. Cricket carries a message of peace and unity.”

The India vs Pakistan match generates the most revenue for the ICC as it earns twice as much as the ICC from sponsorship, broadcast rights and ticket sales. India’s rivalry with Pakistan has been one-sided in recent years, with the Men in Green winless in all of their past five meetings with their archrivals.

Also read: India vs Pakistan drama: BCCI breaks silence after Pakistan govt backtracks on T20 World Cup boycott