Shaheen Afridi Issues World Cup Warning After Accusing India of Poor Sportsmanship

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has launched a sharp criticism of Team India, accusing them of disregarding sportsmanship during their encounters at the 2025 Asia Cup. Speaking to reporters in Lahore on Wednesday, Shaheen said India’s conduct during the tournament created unnecessary controversy and damaged the spirit of the game.

“The spirit of sportsmanship was violated by people across the border,” Shaheen said, referring to the heated exchanges between Indian and Pakistani players during the continental tournament held in September last year.

Emphasizing Pakistan’s approach going forward, the left-arm fast bowler added, “Playing Cricket is our job, and that remains our main focus. We will respond on the field.” His remarks come ahead of the highly anticipated India–Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in Colombo on February 15.

Relations between the two teams visibly deteriorated during the Asia Cup, with tensions extending beyond on-field competition. A major talking point throughout the tournament was India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players after matches. The gesture, reportedly initiated by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, was consistently followed by the rest of the team, further intensifying the rivalry.

Pakistani players, however, were also criticized for provocative on-field celebrations. Haris Rauf’s “jet crashing” gesture and Sahibzada Farhan’s rifle-firing imitation were widely viewed as aggressive and inappropriate. These actions resulted in warnings and penalties under the ICC Code of Conduct, underscoring how provocations from both sides contributed to a breakdown in decorum.

The controversy peaked after India’s dramatic victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. In a highly unusual moment, Team India declined to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.

According to reports, Naqvi insisted on personally presenting the trophy, leading to confusion and a truncated presentation ceremony. The trophy was not officially handed over, and Naqvi reportedly left the venue with it, while the Indian team celebrated without the silverware—an incident that reflected the strained atmosphere surrounding the tournament.

Former West Indies captain Jason Holder also weighed in on the issue, criticizing the hostility between the two cricketing giants. Speaking on the Willow by Cricbuzz podcast, Holder described the off-field drama at the Asia Cup as “ugly.”

“I don’t like this whole India–Pakistan beef,” Holder said. “Seeing how it goes far beyond the cricket field is sad, because these are two powerhouses of world cricket.”

He added that while the rivalry is deeply rooted in political tensions, sport could still play a role in easing relations. “If change is going to happen, it can start on the cricket field. Coming together through sport is one way to reduce tension,” Holder remarked.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since the 2012–13 season, and even their meetings at ICC and ACC tournaments continue to be surrounded by controversy, highlighting how the rivalry remains as intense—and complicated—as ever.