Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and ex-BCCI president, has spoken out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan, which is set to take place on February 15 in Colombo. Ganguly referred to it as a “big World Cup match,” describing the intensity and pressure that surrounds confrontations between the arch-rivals, but also expressing confidence in India’s strength going into the clash.
The India-Pakistan Group A match was already a hot topic even before a start of the tournament and Pakistan had momentarily declared a boycott. It was made in order of the diplomatic and administrative strains after Bangladesh dropped out of the tournament, as ICC refused to accept their demand of shifting matches outside India on security grounds.
On Pakistan changed their stance after having discussed the matter with ICC, PCB as well as BCB and the government of Pakistan officially instructed the team to play the match at Colombo. Ganguly saw the game against Pakistan as a high-profile game that may not be taken lightly against the rival India.
“It will be a big World Cup match. The match is on 15th February, it is not going to be easy for Pakistan to defeat India. India is a very good team,” he said as quoted by NDTV.
I am surprised by Pakistan backing out: Ganguly
Ganguly also lauded the tournament’s overall quality, pointing out that even associate clubs have impressed. He named Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan as his favourite Indian players in the competition.
India began their campaign with a bang defeating the United States by 29 runs, with their captain Suryakumar Yadav on the frontline scoring an unbeaten 84. Nevertheless, Ganguly reacted to the initial plan by Pakistan to cancel the game. He was surprised and not satisfied, asking the rationale of the step.
“Backing out of a World Cup for what. They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised by Pakistan backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important,” he added.
