India and Pakistan are set to clash on February 15 in Colombo in T20 World Cup.
Former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has taken offence to comments made by former Indian cricketers ahead of the upcoming India v Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash. The two archrivals will clash in Colombo on February 15.
Saqlain's remarks were made on the day when the India vs. Pakistan match was once again scheduled after weeks of uncertainty. After tense talks with the ICC on Monday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finally gave in and requested that its cricket team face India in Colombo on Sunday.
“Recently, an ex-cricketer—I won’t name him because it doesn’t feel right—was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect. He replied, ‘Look, before I speak, those who have no respect to begin with, how can they talk about respect?’ I mean, use some common sense! What kind of narrow-minded things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are supposed to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero!” Saqlain said on the Game On Hai show.
“The politicians are doing what they do—they are playing their politics. But you guys [former cricketers] shouldn’t talk like this. Don’t you understand? When you hit a boundary or take a wicket, everyone claps—from this side and that side. You just don’t seem to get it. I say they need some sense on the other side of the border; they should speak a bit more intelligently,” he continued.
Pakistan had refused to play India in the T20 World Cup as they stood in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were removed from the tournament for refusing to travel to India for their matches, citing security concerns. This happened after BCCI had removed Mustafizur Rahman from KKR’s IPL 2026 squad.
“Even the big ex-cricketers over there are saying such strange things and spreading hatred. They don’t understand the purpose of this game. Cricket delivers a message of peace and unity. I remember when we went to play the ‘Cricket All-Stars’ in America; the fans had stitched flags together to make one giant flag. In the middle, the Indian and Pakistani flags were joined, with Indians and Pakistanis standing together,” Saqlain said.
Saqlain continued by outlining the reasons why the friendship between India and Pakistan has diminished off the field. Additionally, he took exception at remarks that India was world cricket’s main money spinner.
“I don’t think those things [the old spirit of the game] are coming back because things have gone too far. On the other side, they don’t want it to return; they have kept it this way specifically to polish their own politics and will continue to do so.
Look, money flows and gets distributed, and every other day they come out and say, ‘This is what we earned and gave to the ICC; you are eating while we are earning.’ They act as if others have nothing at all. They’ve been talking like this every few days, and their arrogance has grown so much,” he stated.