T20 World Cup 2026: Sourav Ganguly picks his favourites for the IND vs PAK encounter
Former India captain and former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has finally weighed in on the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place on February 15 in Colombo. Describing it as a “big World Cup match,” Ganguly highlighted the immense pressure and heightened emotions that naturally surround contests between the two arch-rivals. At the same time, he expressed strong confidence in the Indian team, backing their depth, balance, and experience as they head into one of the tournament’s most high-profile encounters. The Group A showdown had already generated widespread attention well before the competition began, largely due to off-field developments involving Pakistan.
Who are the favourites for the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match?
The India vs Pakistan fixture became a major point of discussion after the Pakistan Cricket Board briefly announced its intention to boycott the match. This move came amid diplomatic and administrative tensions linked to Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament. Bangladesh had earlier requested that their matches be shifted out of India, citing security concerns. However, the International Cricket Council rejected the proposal, leading to Bangladesh pulling out of the event altogether. The fallout from that decision contributed to uncertainty surrounding the India-Pakistan game, further amplifying its significance. Despite the controversy, the fixture remains one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the World Cup, both for its sporting rivalry and its broader context.
Pakistan later walked back its earlier position following a series of discussions involving the International Cricket Council, the Pakistan Cricket Board, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. After these deliberations, the Pakistan government formally instructed the team to go ahead and participate in the fixture, confirming that the match would be played in Colombo as scheduled. The decision brought an end to the uncertainty surrounding one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters and ensured that the Group A clash would proceed without further disruption.
Reacting to India’s upcoming face-off against Pakistan, Sourav Ganguly underlined the magnitude of the occasion, describing it as a high-pressure, high-stakes contest that extends beyond ordinary World Cup matches. He emphasized that such encounters demand complete focus and a healthy respect for the opposition, regardless of form or external circumstances. Ganguly also noted that games of this intensity test not only skill but temperament, with the ability to handle pressure often proving decisive in determining the outcome.
"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," stated former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.
Sourav Ganguly also commended the overall standard of cricket on display in the tournament, observing that the competition has been highly engaging and evenly matched so far. He noted that several associate nations have impressed with their discipline, planning, and fearless approach, making the World Cup more competitive than ever. Ganguly added that this rise in quality reflects the expanding global reach of the game. When speaking about India’s performances, he highlighted Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan as players who have stood out for him, praising their impact and consistency in crucial moments.
India opened their campaign on a strong note with a 29-run victory over the United States, setting an early tone in Group A. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led by example, producing a composed and commanding unbeaten 84 that anchored India’s innings and showcased his leadership under pressure. While applauding India’s start, Ganguly also addressed the off-field controversy surrounding Pakistan’s initial decision to boycott the India-Pakistan clash. He admitted he was both surprised and disappointed by the move, questioning the rationale behind it. Ganguly suggested that such decisions risk overshadowing the spirit of the game, especially in a global tournament where cricketing merit should remain the primary focus.
