Gavaskar Slams T20 World Cup “Easy Grouping” Strategy To Ensure India-Pakistan Clash

COLOMBO / MUMBAI — Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has pulled no punches in his latest assessment of the 2026 T20 World Cup draw, accusing the ICC of manipulating the schedule to guarantee a high-revenue India-Pakistan clash. Writing in his Sportstar column on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Gavaskar argued that the two powerhouses have been gifted a “fairly easy” group to ensure they don’t face an early exit.

The comments come as the two sides are scheduled to meet on February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

1. The “Commercial” Draw

Gavaskar highlighted a recurring trend in ICC events where the arch-rivals are paired together regardless of seedings.

• The “Safety Net”: He noted that being placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA provides a comfortable cushion. “The real battle could well start from the following stage [Super 8s],” Gavaskar wrote, suggesting the group stage is merely a formality for the “Big Two.”
• Revenue Over Rivalry: Gavaskar’s critique touches on the “at least one match” policy, which ensures broadcasters get their most valuable fixture early in the tournament.

2. The “USA Warning”: Beyond 2024

While calling the group easy, Gavaskar issued a specific warning regarding the USA team, noting they are no longer the underdogs they were in 2024.

• The MLC Factor: He attributed the USA’s growth to Major League Cricket (MLC), where local players “rub shoulders” with global icons.
• Losing the Awe: “Sharing dressing rooms… helps to get rid of the ‘awe factor’ that players from emerging countries often feel towards big names,” Gavaskar added, referencing the USA’s historic upset over Pakistan in the previous edition.

3. Pakistan’s Participation: The “Friday Deadline”

As Gavaskar analyzed the cricket, a dark cloud of uncertainty remains over Pakistan’s travel plans following the Bangladesh withdrawal crisis:

• Government Call: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. A final decision on whether Pakistan will boycott the tournament is expected by Friday, Jan 30 or Monday, Feb 2.
• Broadcaster Lawsuit: Reports suggest broadcasters could hit the PCB with a $38 million lawsuit if they skip the India game, adding immense financial pressure to the political standoff.

T20 World Cup 2026: Group A Snapshot