The build-up to the India vs Pakistan blockbuster at the T20 World Cup 2026 has taken a dramatic turn, and former India captain Sourav Ganguly has weighed in with his trademark clarity. Ganguly reacted to Pakistan’s decision to reverse its earlier boycott stance against India, calling the development a positive step for the game and stressing that cricket should rise above political stand-offs.
After nearly two weeks of uncertainty, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) finally reached a consensus, paving the way for Pakistan to take the field against India on February 15. The green signal from the Pakistan government brought an end to speculation and ensured that the marquee clash would go ahead as scheduled.
Sourav Ganguly shares his take on Pakistan’s u-turn
Speaking on the issue, Ganguly made it clear that while he may not be privy to the behind-the-scenes political discussions, the outcome mattered more for cricket lovers across the globe. He welcomed the confirmation of the match and reiterated that India–Pakistan encounters have always carried a special place in the sport.
“I don’t really know all those things—what keeps happening at the government level or why it happens. But the match is happening, and that’s a good thing. Sports are separate—sports and politics are different,” Ganguly said. He added that the rivalry has historically produced memorable contests and hoped the upcoming game would live up to that legacy.
However, the former BCCI president also offered an honest assessment of the current balance between the two sides. According to Ganguly, Pakistan will need to be at their absolute best to challenge a dominant Indian team.
“To play against India, you have to play very well—India is a very strong team,” he remarked, underlining the standards required to make the contest competitive.
India’s dominance adds pressure on Pakistan
Ganguly’s comments come against the backdrop of India’s commanding record against Pakistan in T20 internationals. India have won 12 of the 16 T20Is played between the two sides, with one match ending in a tie. The numbers become even more lopsided when recent history is considered.
Since September 5, 2022, India have remained unbeaten against the Men in Green across formats. During this period, India have won eight of the nine matches played between the arch-rivals, with one fixture producing no result. More strikingly, the last seven completed encounters have all gone India’s way, highlighting the gulf that has emerged between the two teams.
Pakistan’s last international victory over the Men in Blue came during the Asia Cup clash in Dubai on September 4, 2022. Since then, momentum, confidence, and results have consistently favoured India, making the upcoming T20 World Cup fixture a major test for Pakistan’s rebuilding side.
