Sanjay Manjrekar Stops Indian Fans From Celebrating Pakistan Win, Gets Thrashed

Sanjay Manjrekar with Indian Cricket Team. Image Credits: X

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar faced heavy criticism online after sharing his thoughts following India’s big win over Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Group A match took place at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. 

Notably, India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs, continuing its strong record in ICC tournaments against its rival.

After the IND vs PAK match, Sanjay Manjrekar suggested that Indian fans should move past the intense focus on India-Pakistan clashes and instead celebrate games between evenly matched teams that show the best quality of cricket. 

Sanjay Manjrekar faces online criticism

Manjrekar wrote on X that world cricket would benefit if fans shifted their excitement toward balanced contests rather than traditional rivalries. 

"Can we as Indian fans now move on? And get excited by a match between equals, a match that show cases cricket excellence? World cricket will be in a better place that way… it’s upto us," Manjrekar wrote.

Sanjay Manjrekar

@sanjaymanjrekar

Can we as Indian fans now move on? And get excited by a match between equals, a match that show cases cricket excellence? World cricket will be in a better place that way… it’s upto us.

His message triggered a strong reaction online. Many fans responded that the India-Pakistan rivalry is special and emotionally important, so supporters should be free to enjoy it. 

Notably, social media platforms quickly filled with replies disagreeing with Sanjay Manjrekar's view and defending the excitement around these matches.

Let's take a look at how fans and netizens reacted to Sanjay Manjrekar's tweet:

ishan 💙

@ishnhere

@sanjaymanjrekar Respectfully, rivalries are what make cricket special. You can’t manufacture that intensity in “just another match.”

Lokesh

@itzlokesh13

@sanjaymanjrekar It seems you were not expecting this kind of match. Btw if we Indians are celebrating this win then there is nothing wrong with it . Let the fans celebrate the win.

Anusha Sharma

@_AnushaSharma

@sanjaymanjrekar Why do you always talk against Indian sentiments? Is it just attention-seeking?

anisha

@saksham546aj

@sanjaymanjrekar No equals for us sir This current Indian Cricket Team 🏏 is invincible and so goated 🐐 that no one might come close while we cakewalk to the trophy again.

Sreejith Panickar

@PanickarS

@sanjaymanjrekar Are you still sad over the loss and the no-handshake? Where is the Asia Cup by the way? Are you OK with the apostles of peace keeping it?

Sagar Khandelwal

@Khandelw13Sagar

@sanjaymanjrekar We’ve already moved on, why are you still holding on to illusions?

Panther

@panther5btc

@sanjaymanjrekar You sound frustrated that result was not as per your expectations

‘

@ashking009

@sanjaymanjrekar Can you, as an Indian former player, praise our players when they need it the most? I mean, you always criticise the odds but never praise them?

Vinita Singh !! विनीता सिंह

@Vineetasinghsng

@sanjaymanjrekar Why do I feel like you seem sad about India's victory yesterday, or Pakistan's defeat?

Gabbar

@GabbbarSingh

@sanjaymanjrekar Pls stop being salty. Let fans enjoy the way they want.

Sanjay Manjrekar's earlier remarks on handshake controversy

Sanjay Manjrekar often draws attention for outspoken opinions. Before the IND vs PAK T20 World Cup match, he criticized the Indian team’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistani players. He called this approach unworthy of a country like India and urged players to respect the spirit of the sport.

“This ‘no shaking hands’ is such a silly thing that India has started. It’s unbecoming of a nation like ours. Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all,” Manjrekar wrote on X.

Notably, the issue had roots in tensions during the Asia Cup 2025. The two teams met three times in that event, and relations were strained after Indian players refused customary greetings. Emotions were already high following the Pahalgam terror attack and military action known as Operation Sindoor.

India dominate Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 match

Talking about the match, India batted first and posted 175 for 7. Ishan Kishan provided a fast start with a brilliant 77 runs. Pakistan’s chase began disastrously. In the first over from Hardik Pandya, Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed without scoring. Soon after, Jasprit Bumrah trapped Saim Ayub leg-before wicket.

Captain Salman Agha also fell early, leaving Pakistan struggling at 13 for 3. Spinner Axar Patel then dismissed Babar Azam, pushing Pakistan to 34 for 4 in five overs.

Usman Khan tried to rebuild with 44 runs from 34 balls, hitting boundaries and a six. His dismissal led to a quick collapse, and Pakistan ended all out for 114 in 18 overs. The result confirmed India’s dominance in the contest.

With this victory, India finished the group stage unbeaten and qualified easily for the Super Eight round.