Sunil Gavaskar makes a bold statement on IND-PAK in the T20 World Cup 2026

The former cricketer called a spade a spade, saying India and Pakistan are placed in an easy group for the tournament, ensuring they progress to the next round.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar called a spade a spade, saying India and Pakistan have been clubbed in the same group for the T20 World Cup 2026 to ensure there is at least one match between the rivals in the 20-team competition. Additionally, he said that the two teams have been placed in an easy group, ensuring they progress to the next round. It is worth mentioning that the two Asian powerhouses are set to square off in the tournament on February 15 in Colombo.

Sunil Gavaskar minced no words on IND-PAK matches in the T20 World Cup 2026.

India and Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. Sunil Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, wrote, “As always in recent World Cups, India and Pakistan are not only placed in the same group to ensure at least one clash between the traditional rivals, but are also invariably put in a fairly easy group to qualify for the next round. So the real battle could well start from the following stage of the tournament.” In the previous T20 World Cup in 2024, when India entered their 11-year ICC title jinx, Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals after losing to India and the USA in the group stage.

Gavaskar reckons the USA would be a stronger team than in 2024.

Given the experience they have gained by rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in international cricket in Major League Cricket (MLC), Gavaskar reckoned the USA would be a stronger team now. He wrote, “We saw the USA beat Pakistan in the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup when they were co-hosts with the West Indies. They have since improved with experience and by rubbing shoulders with some of the best players in the world in Major League Cricket.” He added, “The best part of these leagues is that they help to get rid of the awe factor that players from emerging countries often feel towards some of the big names in the game. Sharing dressing rooms with them, seeing how they prepare, and how they deal with failure are things that cannot be taught in any university. That first-hand experience is what helps to drive their individual games forward.”

However, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will participate in the T20 World Cup 2026, as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the final call will be taken on either January 30 or February 2. Pakistan are considering pulling out after Bangladesh were shown the door following their refusal to travel to India, citing security concerns. Scotland has now replaced Bangladesh in the tournament.