India sticks to no bilateral sports policy with Pakistan, eases norms for global events
Sports Ministry reiterates no bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, but permits participation in global events hosted in India under international norms.
The biggest fixture of the group stage at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 arrives on Sunday as arch-rivals India and Pakistan lock horns at Edgbaston, Birmingham. While it is only the opening match of their respective campaigns, the contest carries the intensity, pressure and emotion of a knockout game.
Few rivalries in world cricket capture attention like India versus Pakistan. The atmosphere at Edgbaston is expected to be electric, with Birmingham’s large South Asian community set to create a packed and passionate backdrop for one of the tournament’s marquee clashes.
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India begin the tournament as one of the favourites to lift their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the Women in Blue possess a balanced squad with explosive batters, experienced all-rounders and a disciplined bowling attack.
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Pakistan, meanwhile, enters the tournament under the leadership of Fatima Sana, hoping to spring an early surprise. Despite India’s dominance in previous meetings, Pakistan will believe a World Cup opener offers the perfect stage to rewrite history.
India dominate the rivalry
History strongly favours India in Women’s T20 Internationals. The two sides have met 16 times, with India winning 13 matches while Pakistan has managed three victories.
The most recent meeting also went India’s way, with the Women in Blue registering a six-wicket victory during the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. India also defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in an ODI clash in 2025, giving them additional confidence heading into Sunday’s encounter.
However, rivalry matches often ignore statistics, with pressure and momentum capable of changing the course of the contest within a few overs.
Also Read: ‘Lose to anyone, but not Pakistan’: Jemimah Rodrigues reveals pressure of cricket’s biggest rivalry
Key battle: India’s batting vs Pakistan’s spin attack
India’s batting lineup remains one of the strongest in the competition. The aggressive opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will look to capitalise on the powerplay, while Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh add stability and finishing power.
Pakistan’s biggest weapon is likely to be its spin attack. Experienced bowlers Sadia Iqbal and Nida Dar will be tasked with slowing India’s scoring rate and creating breakthroughs in the middle overs.
India’s bowling unit also boasts quality, with Renuka Singh expected to exploit English conditions with the new ball, while Deepti Sharma’s control could prove crucial.
India vs Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details
Where will the India vs Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup match be played?
The match will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, England.
When will the India vs Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup match take place?
The match will be played on Sunday, June 14, with the first ball scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.
Where to watch the India vs Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup match live on TV?
The match will be broadcast live in India on the Star Sports Network.
Where to watch the India vs Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup live streaming in India?
The match will be streamed live on JioHotstar.
India vs Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Squads
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav.
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Tasmia Rubab.
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