T20 World Cup: Sanjay Manjrekar's Explosive Take On India-Pakistan Match, Says 'Not In Same League'

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said if the T20 World Cup group stage clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan does not happen, it is "no big deal" since the "actual game now never lives upto hype and drama".

He also added that with the way both teams stand now, it feels like India is "beating minnows" every time they win over Pakistan.

Manjrekar's statement comes after the Pakistan government boycotted the group stage T20 WC clash against the arch-rival. The Pakistan government said in a post on X on Sunday that the Pakistan team "shall not take the field" in the match against India without giving any reason.

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The match was scheduled for February 15. Pakistan is in Group A with India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA for the marquee tournament.

"India-Pakistan match, if it does not happen, no big deal. Honestly, for a long time now, the actual game has never lived up to the hype and the drama we built up before the match. And the reason for that is obvious. It's that India and Pakistan are not in the same league anymore. Earlier, in the 90s and before, it was fun because Pakistan was a strong team. But not anymore. Now, when India beats Pakistan, it is almost like India is beating the minnows. Earlier, you could have felt good on beating Pakistan," Manjrekar said on his Instagram account.

Taking to Instagram, Manjrekar said that both teams are "not in the same league anymore", and the teams like Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa produce matches with India that are worth watching, where beating an opponent feels really proud and the lack of an India-Pakistan fixture "is not going to bring down the value of the tournament" for him.

"That's how Pakistan cricket has deteriorated. I saw that in the Asia Cup as well. You just have to compare the young players that come through the Indian cricket system versus the Pakistan cricket system. It's the difference between the earth and the sky," he added.

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"If India-Pakistan does not happen in this world event, it is not a big deal because you still have Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. Those are the matches to watch, and those are the teams that India needs to beat for us to feel proud about this Indian team. I think it is a non-event and is not going to bring down the value of the tournament," the former Indian batter signed off.