Ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has called for a shift in focus away from the traditional obsession with the India-Pakistan rivalry. While acknowledging the massive excitement surrounding the blockbuster clash, Mandhana urged fans and media alike to hype up the entire tournament rather than just a single fixture. Her comments come just before the arch-rivals face off in their highly anticipated opening match of the campaign on July 14 at the iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham.
We don't need to hype up only one match: Mandhana on hype around India vs Pakistan clash
Reflecting on the history between the two neighboring nations, Mandhana recalled their memorable encounter at the very same venue during the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She noted that the fixture naturally generates immense buzz on its own, with a passionate, sold-out crowd already expected to pack the stadium for this high-stakes Group A showdown.
"We did play India-Pakistan at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and we had a sell-out. Not only India-Pakistan, I just feel we really need to hype up the T20 World Cup. We don't need to hype up only one match. It is already hyped up. I am sure a lot of people are going to come and support us. Hopefully, we can put up a show for them," Mandhana said at the post-match press conference following India's six-wicket defeat against England in the third T20I.
After claiming the ODI World Cup 2025 title, India have their sights set on T20 World Cup 2026 crown. The team is eager to build on the incredible momentum generated by their historic Women's ODI World Cup 2025 triumph on home soil, but recent performances have exposed some vulnerabilities. In their final assignment before the tournament, the Women in Blue suffered a setback by losing a three-match T20I series to England. Despite a promising start where India took a 1-0 lead after winning the series opener, they ultimately conceded the series by a 2-1 margin.
India's schedule for Women's T20 World Cup 2026:
India will start their Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Pakistan on June 14 before meeting Netherlands on June 17. They will then take on South Africa on June 21. Harmanpreet Kaur's brigade will they lock horns with Bangladesh on June 25 before ending their league stage against Australia on June 28.