NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has stirred fresh debate around the India-Pakistan rivalry, saying the potential absence of their T20 World Cup group-stage clash is “no big deal” as the fixture no longer lives up to its historic hype. His remarks come against the backdrop of the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the marquee match scheduled for February 15.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on Instagram, Manjrekar argued that the competitive gap between the two sides has widened to the point where the rivalry lacks the edge it once carried. “India-Pakistan match, if it does not happen, no big deal. Honestly, for a long time now, the actual game has never lived up to the hype and the drama we built up before the match,” he said.
The former batter added that India and Pakistan are “not in the same league anymore,” claiming recent encounters feel one-sided. “Now, when India beats Pakistan, it is almost like India is beating the minnows. Earlier, you could have felt good on beating Pakistan,” he remarked, pointing to what he described as a decline in Pakistan cricket compared to India’s strong pipeline of young talent.Manjrekar also referenced the Asia Cup, suggesting the difference between the two systems is “the difference between the earth and the sky.” According to him, high-quality contests for India now come against teams like Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa — sides that truly test the team’s standards.Also Read: Samson’s slide opens door as Kishan storms into India’s T20 World Cup plansThe comments follow Pakistan’s announcement, made via a post on X, that its men’s team “shall not take the field” against India at the World Cup, without specifying reasons. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA.Despite the political tension surrounding the fixture, Manjrekar insisted the tournament’s value would remain intact. “If India-Pakistan does not happen in this world event, it is not a big deal… it is a non-event and is not going to bring down the value of the tournament,” he said.
