Sanjay Manjrekar discards India-Pakistan rivalry [Source: @Vipintiwari952/X.com]The India vs Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup 2026 is once again under doubt. Pakistan has decided not to take the field against India in Colombo on February 15. However, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has now shared a blunt view. He feels world cricket will not lose much even if the match does not happen, as, according to him, the rivalry has faded. Manjrekar’s ruthless reality check for PakistanFormer Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar did not hold back while speaking on Instagram. He said the hype around India vs Pakistan no longer matches the reality on the field.“If the India-Pakistan doesn’t happen, no big deal for me. Honestly, for a long time now – and you’ve seen it as well – the actual game never lives up to the hype and drama that we’ve had before in an India-Pakistan match," Manjrekar said on Instagram.He explained why he feels this way. According to him, Pakistan is no longer a strong cricket team like it was in the past."And the reason for that is also very obvious. It’s that India and Pakistan are no longer in the same league. Earlier, in the 90s and before that, it was fun because Pakistan was a strong team. Not anymore. So, if India-Pakistan doesn’t happen in this world event, no big deal,” he added.He pointed out the huge gap between young Indian players and those coming through Pakistan’s system. Sanjay Manjrekar said the difference is “zameen-aasmaan ka farq”."That’s how much Pakistan cricket has deteriorated. And I saw that in the Asia Cup as well. You just have to compare the young players that have come into the Indian cricket system to those who have come up through Pakistan’s system. Zameen-aasmaan ka fark hai."Focus should be on stronger teams, says Sanjay ManjrekarSanjay Manjrekar believes fans should shift their attention to tougher opponents. He named Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa as real challenges for India.“You still have Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. Those are the matches to watch. Those are the teams India needs to beat for us to feel proud. Maybe in the ‘90s, you would have felt really nice if India beat Pakistan, but now, when India beats Pakistan, it’s almost like India is beating the minnows."His view matches what many analysts have said in recent years. India has dominated Pakistan across ICC tournaments. Pakistan has beaten India only three times in the last decade. India, meanwhile, has grown stronger across formats.As per ICC rankings and recent results, India remains one of the most balanced T20 sides. Pakistan has struggled with form, consistency and team stability. Hence, the gap has only widened.Boycott row deepens as ICC waits for PCB moveThe larger controversy continues. Pakistan has still not formally written to the ICC about forfeiting the match. So far, only a government post on X exists. Though, the ICC has made its stand clear.The governing body has said selective participation goes against the spirit of global tournaments. It has stated that refusing to play a scheduled match could have serious consequences.India, meanwhile, is following ICC protocol. The team will travel to Sri Lanka. They will practice, attend press duties and reach the stadium on match day.Whether Pakistan changes its stance remains unclear. But voices like Sanjay Manjrekar show a growing belief that the India-Pakistan rivalry may no longer define world cricket.
