The India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup row has finally ended. After the Pakistan government gave the green signal for the national cricket team to play against India. However, India and Pakistan cricketers had a good on and off the field, but now things have changed after the Pahalgam terror attack. With Indian players refusing to shake hands with the players, things have fallen apart.
Former Pakistan World Cup winner Saqlain Mushtaq has shared his views on the ongoing fiasco, as the spinner was part of the epic India vs Pakistan rivalry, where Wasim Akram, Inzamam-Ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, and others shared a bond of mutual respect with Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Ajay Jadeja, and Rahul Dravid.
Saqlain Mushtaq feels the India vs Pakistan rivalry has fallen apart
Over the years, India-Pakistan rivalry has been filled with off-field friendship. From Javed Miandad playing Holi with Sunil Gavaskar, to Virat Kohli hugging Mohammad Rizwan after Pakistan defeated India for the first time in a World Cup match, was a sight to watch. Even Shaheen Shah Afridi sent a gift to Jasprit Bumrah when the latter’s son was born. However, things have changed in recent times.
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Speaking on the ‘Game On’ show, Saqlain Mushtaq said, “I don’t think those things [the old spirit of the game] are coming back because things have gone too far. On the other side, they don’t want it to return; they have kept it this way specifically to polish their own politics and will continue to do so.”
Saqlain Mushtaq was surprised to see former India cricketers lashing out at Pakistan for its T20 World Cup stance. After the events of Pulwama in 2019 and Pahalgam in 2025, there has been hatred that has grown between them.
The former Pakistani spinner said, “Recently, an ex-cricketer – I won’t name him because it doesn’t feel right – was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect.”
Politics have taken over cricket
He replied, “Look, before I speak, those who have no respect to begin with, how can they talk about respect? I mean, use some common sense! What kind of narrow-minded things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are supposed to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero.”
Saqlain Mushtaq said, “The politicians are doing what they do – they are playing their politics. But you guys [former cricketers] shouldn’t talk like this. Don’t you understand? When you hit a boundary or take a wicket, everyone claps – from this side and that side. You just don’t seem to get it. I say they need some sense on the other side of the border; they should speak a bit more intelligently.”
India dominates Pakistan
Saqlain Mushtaq finally concluded, saying, “Even the big ex-cricketers over there are saying such strange things and spreading hatred. They don’t understand the purpose of this game. Cricket delivers a message of peace and unity.”
India vs Pakistan generates the most revenue for the ICC as it generates double the money from sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and ticket sales. India vs Pakistan rivalry has been one-sided in recent times as the Men in Green are winless in their last five meetings against their arch-rivals across all competitions.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan drama: BCCI breaks silence after Pakistan government backtracks on T20 WC boycott
