‘Put in easy group so that they can qualify’ – Sunil Gavaskar’s blunt take on India vs Pakistan match in T20 World Cup 2026

Sunil Gavaskar (Source: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at the ICC for keeping India and Pakistan in the same group in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The marquee event, featuring 20 teams, will commence on February 7 and culminate on March 9.

India and Pakistan have been kept in the same group in ICC events for several years. The viewership numbers and ticket sales this meeting between the arch-rivals generates are extraordinary, and the ICC takes every opportunity to make a profit from these avenues.

Gavaskar said that not only are India and Pakistan placed in the same group, but the other teams they will face in that stage are not too tough. Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA are the other three teams in Group A. The former India captain believes that being put in an easy group will give India and Pakistan a better chance of progressing to the next round.

“As always in recent World Cups, India and Pakistan are not only placed in the same group to ensure at least one clash between the traditional rivals, but are also invariably put in a fairly easy group to qualify for the next round. So the real battle could well start from the following stage of the tournament,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.

In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, the USA delivered a massive upset as they defeated Pakistan in the group stage in the Super Over. Gavaskar opined that the USA are a much-improved side heading into the impending World Cup as their players have had a lot of experience playing in the Major League Cricket.

Gavaskar mentioned that sharing the dressing rooms with top cricketers during franchise leagues helps players from associate nations not get overawed when they face stronger teams in the international arena.

“We saw the USA beat Pakistan in the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup when they were co-hosts with the West Indies. They have since improved with experience and by rubbing shoulders with some of the best players in the world in Major League Cricket,” wrote Gavaskar.

“The best part of these leagues is that they help to get rid of the awe factor that players from emerging countries often feel towards some of the big names in the game. Sharing dressing rooms with them, seeing how they prepare, and how they deal with failure are things that cannot be taught in any university. That first-hand experience is what helps to drive their individual games forward,” he added.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.