"Like Beating Minnows": Manjrekar's Blunt Take as Pakistan Boycotts India Match in T20 WC

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked debate by calling the potential absence of an India–Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 a “non-event,” arguing that the two teams are no longer in the same competitive league. His remarks came amid reports that the Pakistan government has instructed its team to boycott the group-stage match against India scheduled for February 15.

Speaking in a video message shared on Instagram, Manjrekar said that the much-hyped India–Pakistan fixture has failed to live up to expectations for several years. According to him, India’s consistent dominance has reduced the contest’s sporting value. “When India beats Pakistan now, it almost feels like India beating minnows,” he said, adding that the rivalry was more compelling in the 1990s when Pakistan fielded stronger, more competitive sides.

Manjrekar stressed that the absence of the marquee clash would not diminish the overall appeal of the tournament. He pointed out that matches involving teams such as Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa offer India a far greater competitive challenge and are more meaningful tests of the team’s quality. Victories against these sides, he said, are the ones that truly inspire pride among Indian fans.

Also Read: BCCI Rejects Boycott Drama: India to Attend Feb 15 Match per ICC Rules

The controversy follows Pakistan’s reported decision not to take the field against India, though no official reason has been publicly stated. Pakistan and India are placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. The development has triggered speculation about possible action by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has maintained that “selective participation” undermines the fundamental principles of global sporting events.

While the ICC has not yet announced any emergency meeting or sanctions, it has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to seek a mutually acceptable resolution. India, meanwhile, heads into the tournament in strong form after a dominant T20I series win, reinforcing Manjrekar’s view that the competitive balance between the two sides has shifted decisively in recent years.

Also Read: Pakistan Govt Pursues Legal Path to Defend T20 World Cup India Match Boycott Amid Sanctions Threat