Shaheen Afridi ‘shamelessly’ issues ‘We will respond’ warning to Abhishek Sharma-starrer India ahead of World T20 Championship

Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has criticized the Indian team for its sportsmanship during the 2025 Asia Cup, amid geopolitical tensions between the two nations. The Pakistani pace bowler said his team will respond on the field when the teams meet in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo.

The 2025 Asia Cup has been overshadowed by on-field tensions between India and Pakistan. Amid political tensions affecting relations, India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, chose not to shake hands with Pakistani players, a stance that continued in several matches, including women’s cricket between the two teams.

India violated sportsmanship – Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi said his team did nothing wrong in the no-handshake controversy. He criticized India for damaging the spirit of the game by refusing to shake hands. Shaheen added that cricket should remain separate from political issues and Pakistan should only focus on the game.

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“It didn’t happen like that. The cricket is there. The sportsmanship is a bit different. Those who came to the border worked against the sportsmanship. But our job is to play cricket and we are focused on that. We will try to respond on the field.”

(Nothing like that happened. This is cricket. Sportsmanship is a bit different. People across the border violated sportsmanship. But our job is to play cricket, and that’s what we focus on. We will try to respond on the field.)

Shaheen Afridi on India’s performance in the Asia Cup:
“People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship. Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our objective. We will try to respond on the field.”#ShaheenAfridi #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/EWxiZXgJGJ

– Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) January 7, 2026

Pakistan’s struggles against India in international cricket

Pakistan have struggled against India in T20Is, losing their last five matches and winning just three from 15 encounters. Their last victory came in the T20 World Cup 2021. In the Asia Cup, India won all three matches against Pakistan, including the final in Dubai.

India is yet to receive the Asia Cup trophy after Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates refused to accept the title from Mohsin Naqvi, who is both ACC chief and PCB president. The trophy remains at the ACC headquarters in Dubai, even though the Pakistani players have received their age group trophies.

India and Pakistan are set to clash again in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The high-profile clash will take place on February 14 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with both teams continuing to play at neutral venues following the 2025 Champions Trophy controversy.

Shaheen Afridi’s recovery boosts World Cup hopes

Shaheen Afridi is recovering well from a recent knee problem, easing concerns over his availability for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The injury occurred during the Big Bash League, but it is not considered serious and his recovery is progressing well under the supervision of the PCB.

Shaheen suffered a serious knee injury in 2021 while playing in Galle, which ruled him out for several months. In 2022, he injured his knee again in Sri Lanka, missing much of the season and the first matches of that year’s T20 World Cup. Although he later returned, he was not fully fit for the final.

His stint in the Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat ended early after four matches. He picked up two wickets and conceded over 11 runs per over. Despite these setbacks, Shaheen remains an important player for Pakistan, having finished last year as the team’s third highest wicket-taker in T20Is.

Also read: Shaheen Afridi injury update: Pakistan confident in fitness for T20 World Cup