Pakistan’s star pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi has sent a clear message to India ahead of their high-voltage showdown at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying Pakistan will answer recent controversies “on the field”.
The two sides are set to meet in Colombo on 15 February 2026. Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Shaheen was asked about the incidents that overshadowed the last Asia Cup, where Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s cricketers and declined to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both PCB chairman and ACC president.
Shaheen Afridi is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained during the ongoing 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL 15) while playing for Brisbane Heat. The Pakistan pacer was forced to leave the tournament mid-season.
He has since returned to Lahore for rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. Afridi has been replaced at Brisbane Heat by his Lahore Qalandars teammate Zaman Khan.
Despite his injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board has included Shaheen Afridi in the preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with his final place dependent on regaining full fitness before the ICC deadline.
The T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka will begin on February 7 and conclude on March 8. Pakistan’s opening fixture will be against the Netherlands at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo.
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