India will face Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15, marking their first clash since the Asia Cup 2025 final. Shaheen Afridi criticized India's sportsmanship, promising a strong response on the field.

Afridi has been a key figure in Pakistan's pace attack, and his availability could be crucial for the team's chances in the tournament, being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Addressing reporters during a media session in Lahore on Wednesday, Shaheen placed responsibility on India for the tense atmosphere surrounding the India-Pakistan matches.

The Asia Cup controversy is far from resolved with India yet to receive their trophy. Suryakumar Yadav and Co refused to accept the title from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as PCB chief and Pakistan's internal minister. The trophy is at the ACC headquarters in Dubai even as the Pakistan team were handed their age group trophies by Naqvi.

Jason Holder did not like when Suryakumar Yadav-led India didn't accept the trophy after winning the T20 Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.

The Pakistan pacer is expected to be fit and leading the bowling attack at the upcoming marquee tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

Squads for the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, which takes place from February 7 to March 8, live on Sky Sports; India are defending champions after winning 2024 edition in USA and the Caribbean;