Exclusive: Zaheer Abbas wants India-Pakistan to 'play like brothers' amid T20 World Cup 2026 boycott calls

Former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas has called for India and Pakistan to play cricket 'like brothers' after Pakistan decided not to play their T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, which is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.

Cricket ties between the two countries are currently at one of their lowest points. The last time India and Pakistan faced each other was during the Asia Cup 2025, where India dominated the rivalry, beating Pakistan three times, including in the final.

Zaheer Abbas on India vs Pakistan Cricketing relations

Speaking exclusively to Sports Tak, Zaheer Abbas, who is popularly known as the “Asian Bradman” said that cricket should remain free from politics. He believes both teams should share a healthy and respectful relationship on the field.

"We should play like brothers and we should keep playing and playing without harming anybody or without anything. oh Without anything means, we should play like we are playing against a neighbouring country" Zaheer Abbas told Sports Tak.

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Zaheer Abbas on Pakistan boycotting T20 World Cup clash vs India

Abbas also stated that Pakistan’s decision to avoid playing India came after an incident during the Asia Cup, where the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team did not take part in the traditional post-match handshake with Pakistan.

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"No, this is happening because of not shaking hands and then not coming to take the Asia Cup. What I mean to say is be friendly with each other, play cricket, and don't include politics in this game. This is a very good game, and we should play together" added Zaheer Abbas.

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup head-to-head

India and Pakistan have played eight T20 World Cup matches against each other where the Men in Blue holds the edge winning seven, Pakistan managed to win just one and one match between the Asian rivals ended as a tie. India and Pakistan's last T20 World Cup outing against each other came in 2024 in the USA at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium