New Delhi: The upcoming Ind vs Pak T20 World Cup match has triggered a sharp political debate back home with opposition leaders questioning why the high-voltage clash is going ahead despite strained ties between the two countries.
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa took a strong position saying Pakistan should be viewed strictly as an enemy nation. While referring to cross-border tensions, he said those living along the border understand the reality of what he described as a “proxy war” against India. Randhawa who is an MP from Gurdaspur in Punjab id an Randhawa said sporting ties should reflect ground realities.
#WATCH | Jaipur, Rajasthan: On India vs Pakistan #ICCT20WorldCup, Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa says, “… Pakistan is the enemy of our country, and it should be treated like that only. We have no dealings with them. Those who are on the border know how Pakistan is… pic.twitter.com/3FlPP06UIX
— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2026
‘This Is Jay Shah vs Pakistan’, says Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut went a step further, alleging that such high-profile matches lead to massive batting activity. While addressing reporters in Mumbai, he remarked that the fixture felt less like a contest between two nations and more like “Jay Shah versus Pakistan”.
His comments were aimed at Jay Shah, who is the current ICC chief and son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and is considered second to PM Narendra Modi. Jay Shah has not responded to the remarks so far.
Match back on track after Pakistan reversal
The political noise comes as Pakistan reversed its earlier decision to skip the ground-stage fixture. The team had initially signalled a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh after the ICC declined a venue change request over security concerns.
The match is scheduled to be played in Colombo on Sunday evening. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is also expected to attend and may hold discussions with ICC officials on the sidelines, as per a PTI report.
While cricket fans gear up for one of the sport’s biggest rivalries, the political undercurrent shows that an India vs Pakistan game rarely remains just about cricket.