Political relations between India and Pakistan remain strained, yet cricket continues to bring the two rivals face to face. Over the past few months, tensions have spilled onto the cricket field as well, most notably during the Asia Cup, where on-field controversies grabbed headlines. Now, even before the upcoming T20 World Cup, similar friction seems to be resurfacing.

Ahead of the high-voltage India–Pakistan clash, Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has made strong remarks, issuing what many see as a warning to Team India.

What did Shaheen Afridi say?

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup will begin on February 7 and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, the Pakistan team will not travel to India and will play all its matches in Sri Lanka. As a result, the much-anticipated India–Pakistan encounter will also take place there.

The match is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This will be the first India–Pakistan clash since the 2025 Asia Cup final. Given the controversies during that tournament—including the absence of handshakes—the tension is expected to continue.

Speaking about the situation, Shaheen Afridi said that “those across the border have violated the spirit of the game,” but added that Pakistan’s focus would remain on cricket. He stated that his team would try to give a “befitting reply on the field,” reigniting competitive rhetoric ahead of the marquee clash.

India stays silent, Pakistan talks tough

While the Indian camp has refrained from making any public statements, Pakistan’s comments have once again stirred debate. Such remarks are not new in the build-up to India–Pakistan matches, often adding fuel to an already intense rivalry.

What does the record say?

Despite the bold words, the numbers in T20 cricket clearly favour India. In 16 T20 matches played between the two teams, Pakistan has managed to win only three, while India national cricket team has won 12, with one match ending in a tie.

In T20 World Cup history, the dominance is even more pronounced. India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in the tournament, with India winning seven matches and Pakistan just one. Since 2022, Pakistan has failed to beat India in T20s, while India has registered five consecutive victories.

The bigger picture

Shaheen Afridi’s statement has added spice to an already electrifying contest, but history suggests that Team India enters the match with a clear psychological and statistical advantage. Whether Pakistan’s words translate into performance on the field remains to be seen.