Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has issued a clear warning to India ahead of their much-anticipated clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, stating that Pakistan will respond to recent controversies “on the field.”
The arch-rivals are scheduled to face each other in Colombo on 15 February 2026, in what is expected to be one of the most-watched matches of the tournament.
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Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Shaheen was questioned about incidents during the last Asia Cup, where Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with Pakistan cricketers and declined to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both PCB Chairman and ACC President.
Without escalating the issue verbally, Shaheen made it clear that Pakistan prefers to let its performance do the talking.
Injury Update and Road to Recovery
Shaheen Afridi is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained during the ongoing 2025–26 Big Bash League (BBL 15) while representing Brisbane Heat. The injury forced him to exit the tournament midway.
He has since returned to Pakistan and is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Lahore. His replacement at Brisbane Heat is his Lahore Qalandars teammate Zaman Khan.
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Despite the injury setback, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has included Shaheen Afridi in its preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC). His final selection will depend on achieving full fitness before the ICC’s deadline.
T20 World Cup 2026 Overview
The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will begin on 7 February and conclude on 8 March. Pakistan will kick off their campaign against the Netherlands at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo.
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