Cricket fans across the globe are bracing themselves for a high-stakes double-header as both the senior and Under-19 men’s teams of India and Pakistan prepare to lock horns in crucial encounters. The anticipation is palpable, with the senior teams set to renew their storied rivalry in Group A of the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo, while the Under-19 squads face off in a virtual knockout at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. The latter match, scheduled for February 1 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, will determine the last semi-finalist—turning up the pressure on both sides.
But the buildup to these much-awaited clashes hasn’t been without drama and setbacks. Pakistan’s Under-19 team suffered a significant blow just days before their do-or-die game against India. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shayan was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a fractured nose during a scenario-based practice match. According to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board, “Pakistan U19 wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup after being struck on the nose by a ball while wicketkeeping to a fast bowler during a scenario-based practice match.” The PCB confirmed that Shayan was hospitalized, X-rays revealed a fracture, and a replacement would be named in due course.
This injury comes at a crucial juncture for Pakistan, who currently trail India in the tournament standings. With six points from three matches and a superior net run rate, India enjoys a slight edge. Pakistan, sitting on four points, must win the upcoming encounter to secure a semi-final berth. The match is being billed as a virtual knockout, with everything on the line for both sides. The stakes could hardly be higher.
Elsewhere in the tournament, the semi-final lineup is already taking shape. Afghanistan and England booked their spots in the final four on January 30, following commanding performances in their respective Super Six clashes. England became the first team from Group 2 to qualify after defeating New Zealand by 65 runs, thanks to a five-wicket haul from Manny Lumsden. Australia had previously secured their semi-final place from Group 1, while Afghanistan clinched the remaining slot with a massive 191-run win over Ireland.
Afghanistan’s victory was powered by a record-breaking innings from Faisal Khan, who smashed 163 runs—the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in tournament history. Electing to bat first, Afghanistan posted an imposing 315/7, overcoming early trouble at 27/2. Faisal’s 142-ball knock included 18 fours and a six, and he shared a 75-run partnership with Uzairullah Niazai to steady the ship. The momentum swung decisively during a 188-run fourth-wicket stand with captain Mahboob Khan, who contributed 89 off 79 balls. Ireland’s bowlers, Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley, picked up three wickets apiece, but the chase never really got going. Ireland was eventually bowled out for 124, with Abdul Aziz and Aqil Khan sharing six wickets between them.
England’s march to the semis was equally impressive. After being restricted to 234/7 by New Zealand on a tricky surface—thanks to Mason Clarke’s 2/38—England turned the tables in the field. Manny Lumsden produced a match-winning performance, claiming 5/17 as New Zealand was bowled out for 169 in 38.5 overs. Senith Reddy top-scored for the Kiwis with 47, but the English attack proved too strong.
Back in the senior ranks, legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev weighed in on the broader state of cricket and the ever-contentious issue of India-Pakistan matches. Speaking to PTI Video on January 31, 2026, Kapil reiterated his belief that Test cricket should remain the bedrock of the sport, even as T20 cricket continues to surge in popularity. “I think there are two ways of looking at it. In T20 cricket, no doubt our team is one of the best—you can always have a bad day. But if you are talking about cricket, you have to talk about Test cricket,” the 1983 World Cup-winning captain said.
Kapil emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between formats: “One-day cricket should also not be ignored. I understand that T20 is thrilling, but the base of the game is Test cricket, and we should be investing more time in it, along with one-day cricket as well.” His words come as a timely reminder amid the current T20 World Cup frenzy, urging fans and administrators alike not to lose sight of the sport’s foundations.
The former captain was also asked about the political tensions that often overshadow India-Pakistan cricketing ties. When pressed on whether the two rivals should play against each other given the complex backdrop, Kapil was unequivocal: “It's not fair for people like me to make statements on this. It is the government's call or the cricket board's call. Whatever decision they take, I will stand by it because I prefer to stand by my country and not make loose statements. Many cricketers across the border like to do that—I don't. I choose to stand with my country, and whatever policy they have, I am with them.”
Kapil also addressed the debate around appointing separate coaches for different cricket formats, especially in light of India’s recent Test series losses to New Zealand and South Africa. He said, “I think it's not fair for me to give an answer like that. Whatever decision is taken, it should lead to the best result. The people who are sitting there and making decisions about Test cricket, One-Day cricket, and T20, that is their job. For people like us, it's very easy to make statements out of the blue, but I don't like doing that. It is the responsibility of the cricket board and its think tank, whoever they may be, to decide what is best for Test cricket, One-Day cricket, and T20Is. If three coaches are required, they should appoint three. If two are required, appoint two. If one coach is good enough, then that's fine too. It all depends on what the think tank decides.”
As the cricketing world looks ahead to these marquee India-Pakistan encounters, both on the senior and junior stages, there’s a sense that the outcomes could have ripple effects far beyond the boundary ropes. For the Under-19 teams, Sunday’s clash in Bulawayo is a shot at glory and a chance to etch their names into the tournament’s storied history. For the senior teams, the February 15 showdown in Colombo promises high drama, fierce competition, and the continuation of one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
With injuries, form, and national pride all in the mix, the next two weeks are set to deliver fireworks. Will India’s depth and momentum carry them through, or can Pakistan rally despite their recent setbacks? The answers will unfold on the field, but one thing’s certain—the world will be watching every ball with bated breath.