As the day of T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the tension between India vs Pakistan has increased. Former players and commentators are sharing their views on the ongoing dispute between the two countries. India fast bowler Ishant Sharma is the latest person to comment on this factor. Ishant Sharma believes that this is not good for the players as it can affect their mental health.
The Pakistan government announced via social media last Sunday that they will participate in the T20 World Cup and travel to Sri Lanka. However, through that post, they also announced that they will not play against India and will boycott the match in solidarity with what happened to Bangladesh ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Ishant Sharma supported the players
Ishant Sharma has discussed the mental challenges that cricketers face while training for an important game in extremely uncertain conditions. Ishant Sharma said on India Today’s Salaam Cricket, “Yes, it is not good for the players. The players should be told whether the match is happening or not. Whatever the situation, they should be told because the players prepare for the match accordingly.”
Ishant Sharma also said, “And the India-Pakistan game is such that every fan’s eyes are on it. So the players should be really clearly informed, so that it is clear to them whether they are going to play this match or not.”
Mohit Sharma believes sports and politics should be separated
Mohit Sharma also expressed concern for the players and said that they were not affected by the circumstances and criticized the mixing of politics and sports. He said, “But sport is sport, and now these things have really gone way beyond our control. They are already out of our hands. So whatever we say about it may create controversy, but I don’t think there should be so many issues surrounding sport.”
“Let it be. Some things, again, are not in our control, and you can’t control them – even, you know, sometimes it feels like even by talking about it, you can’t really do anything.”
Clouds of crisis are looming over India vs Pakistan match
Amidst all this, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not submitted any official letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its selective participation in the competition. If Pakistan persists in its stand then sanctions may be imposed and it may even be banned from world cricket and other sanctions may also be imposed. Pakistan indeed found itself in deep trouble after receiving no support from other ICC board members.
As per the rules and schedule, Team India will go to Sri Lanka to play its match. Suryakumar Yadav will also be present at the toss as per the schedule on February 15, and if Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga does not arrive on time at the toss, the appointed match referee will forfeit the match and award two points to the Men in Blue.
India have won their last five encounters with Pakistan, and there has been complete dominance by the Men in Blue in recent years. If the match happens with the brand of cricket that India is playing then they will definitely have the upper hand.
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