Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi slams India over 'sportsmanship', issues World Cup warning

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has reignited the India–Pakistan rivalry by accusing India of undermining the spirit of the game during their encounters at the Asia Cup last year, adding fresh edge to their upcoming clash at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

In a recent interaction, Shaheen said the conduct of players “across the border” during the continental tournament left much to be desired. While stopping short of naming individuals, the left-arm quick suggested that cricketing values were compromised and stressed that Pakistan would respond where it matters most- on the field.

“Our responsibility is to play cricket,” Shaheen said. “Whatever needs to be answered, we’ll answer it through our performance.”

The remarks come with India and Pakistan set to face each other in a blockbuster World Cup group match in Colombo on February 15, 2026 - a fixture already guaranteed to draw global attention.

The Asia Cup in September 2025 was marred by repeated flashpoints between the two sides. India notably avoided customary handshakes with Pakistan players throughout the tournament, a move led by captain Suryakumar Yadav and followed by the rest of the squad. The cold on-field exchanges only deepened the hostility surrounding the matches.

Pakistan players, meanwhile, were also criticised for their on-field gestures. Celebrations by Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were viewed by many as inflammatory, prompting action under the ICC Code of Conduct. Fines and warnings were issued, highlighting that tensions were being fuelled from both camps rather than eased.

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The controversy peaked after India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. In an unprecedented scene, the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi  who is also the PCB chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister. The presentation ceremony eventually collapsed, with the trophy reportedly leaving the venue with Naqvi as India celebrated without formally lifting it.

Former West Indies captain Jason Holder later weighed in on the saga, criticising the politicisation of the rivalry and calling the episode “ugly.” Holder urged both nations to use cricket as a bridge rather than a battleground.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, and even their meetings at ICC and ACC tournaments continue to unfold under intense political and emotional scrutiny - a backdrop that ensures their 2026 World Cup encounter will carry far more than just points at stake.