India captain Suryakumar Yadav made a cheeky remark about Pakistan after the two teams were drawn in the same group for the T20 World Cup 2026. The draw has once again set up one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket. India and Pakistan will meet in their Group A match in Colombo on February 15. The match is already being seen as one of the most awaited clashes of the tournament.
The two teams last faced each other during the recent Asia Cup. They met three times in that tournament. India won all three matches. The series of games was played in a tense atmosphere. Several controversies also took place during the event. Indian players were seen hesitating to shake hands with Pakistani players. Another major incident involved Suryakumar himself.
After India won the Asia Cup, Suryakumar Yadav refused to receive the winner’s trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi. Even after two months, the Asia Cup trophy has still not reached India. Naqvi had left the venue with the trophy. The BCCI later held talks with the PCB on the issue. However, no solution has been found so far.
Despite the off-field issues, Suryakumar spoke only about cricket while reacting to the T20 World Cup draw. He said the focus will remain on the game. He also said that the team always enjoys playing against Pakistan.
“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.
Suryakumar and Harmanpreet Pick Australia for Dream Final
Suryakumar was also asked about a possible dream final in the T20 World Cup next year. He answered quickly. He did not take much time to think. He named both the venue and the opponent.
He said, ‘Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Australia’. His answer showed that Australia remain the biggest challenge for India in big matches.
India Women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur also shared a similar view. Her team recently beat Australia in the semifinal of the Women’s World Cup. They later went on to lift the title. Harmanpreet said beating Australia always feels special.
“Australia is the only team whom we want to beat because that’s the game which stays with you,” Harmanpreet said.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Groups
Meanwhile, the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 promises several exciting contests. Group A has India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, and Pakistan. Group B includes Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. Group C features England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, and Nepal. Group D has South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE.
With India and Pakistan placed together once again, excitement among fans has already started to rise.
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