Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has issued a firm message to India ahead of their highly anticipated clash.
He stated that Pakistan would respond to recent controversies strictly “on the field” during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The two arch-rivals are scheduled to face each other in Colombo on February 15, 2026, in a high-voltage encounter.
Shaheen made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Lahore, addressing tensions from the previous Asia Cup tournament.
During the Asia Cup, Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s cricketers and declined to receive the trophy.
The incident involved Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Asian Cricket Council president.
Shaheen Afridi is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained during the ongoing 2025–26 Big Bash League season.
He was representing Brisbane Heat but was forced to withdraw mid-season due to the injury setback.
Following his return to Pakistan, Shaheen has begun rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
Brisbane Heat replaced him with Lahore Qalandars pacer Zaman Khan for the remainder of the tournament.
Despite fitness concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board has included Shaheen in its preliminary T20 World Cup squad.
His final selection will depend on regaining full fitness before the ICC’s official squad submission deadline.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan will begin their campaign against the Netherlands at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo.
