India captain Suryakumar Yadav made a cheeky remark about Pakistan while alluding to the Asia Cup after both were draw in the same group for 2026 T20 World Cup. India play rivals Pakistan in Colombo on February 15 in their group A match. India and Pakistan played three times recently in the Asia Cup, with India winning all three games before being knocked out of a competition whose matches were characterized by hostility between the two teams.
Issues included the Indian players not shaking hands with their Pakistan counterparts and Man of the final Suryakumar Yadav, refusing to take the winner’s trophy from Committee of Administrators president Mohsin Naqvi. The rivalry has been reignited again, and it is a match that many are looking forward to – fans are anxious to see the rivalry play out on a global stage once more.
“We played them recently during the Asia Cup and we had a good time. Everything was completely focused on cricket, nothing else as you must have seen. I’m sure it will be a good game. Boys are always excited to play Pakistan,” Suryakumar said during the schedule reveal.
Even two months after the competition ended, India still hadn’t received the Asia Cup trophy because Naqvi had taken it with him when he left the venue. The BCCI has held several meetings with the PCB about the matter, yet the two boards still haven’t reached a resolution.
Later, while replying to a question about which team he wants to face in next year’s T20 World Cup final, the Indian T20I skipper didn’t hesitate and said, “Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad—Australia.” Moreover, India Women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur echoed his confidence. She reminded everyone that her team reached the final of the 2018 Women’s World Cup after they beat Australia in the semifinals and then moved on to challenge for the title.
“Australia is the only team whom we want to beat because that’s the game which stays with you,” Harmanpreet said.
T20 World Cup 2026 Groupings
Group A: India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan
Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal
Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE
