Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has sent a strong message to India ahead of their high-profile clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying Pakistan will respond to recent controversies “on the field.”
The Pakistan and India cricket teams are scheduled to face each other in Colombo on February 15, 2026. Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Shaheen was asked about incidents from the last Asia Cup, where Indian players declined to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers and also refused to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council.
Shaheen made it clear that Pakistan is not interested in verbal exchanges and will let its performance speak for itself during the match. He said the team’s focus is fully on cricket and delivering results on the ground.
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The left-arm pacer is currently recovering from a knee injury he suffered during the 2025–26 Big Bash League while playing for Brisbane Heat. Due to the injury, he was forced to leave the tournament midway and return to Pakistan.
Shaheen is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. He has been replaced at the Brisbane Heat by his Lahore Qalandars teammate Zaman Khan.
Despite the setback, the Pakistan Cricket Board has included Shaheen Afridi in Pakistan’s preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, submitted to the International Cricket Council. His final selection will depend on achieving full fitness before the ICC’s deadline.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will begin on February 7 and conclude on March 8. Pakistan will start its campaign against the Netherlands at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo.
