'Not going to be easy' - Sourav Ganguly opens up on India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match

Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has broken the silence on the India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Calling it a “big World Cup match,” Ganguly spoke about the intensity and pressure that surrounds encounters between the arch-rivals, while also expressing confidence in India’s strength heading into the contest.

The India-Pakistan Group A fixture became a major talking point even before the tournament, after Pakistan briefly announced a boycott of the match. The decision came amid diplomatic and administrative tensions following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament, after the ICC rejected their request to shift matches outside India due to security concerns.

Pakistan later reversed its stance after discussions involving the ICC, PCB, and BCB, with the government officially directing the team to play the match in Colombo. Speaking on India’s clash against Pakistan, Ganguly described the match as a high-stakes clash that demands respect for the opposition. 

"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," he said as quoted by NDTV.

I am surprised by Pakistan backing out: Ganguly

Ganguly also praised the overall quality of the tournament so far, noting that even associate teams have made a strong impression. He pointed out Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan as some of his favourite Indian players in the competition.

India began their campaign on a positive note, defeating the USA by 29 runs, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav leading from the front with an unbeaten 84. However, Ganguly addressed Pakistan’s initial decision to boycott the match. Expressing surprise and disappointment, he questioned the logic behind the move. 

"Backing out of a World Cup for what. They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised by Pakistan backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important," he added.