**The Cricketing Rivalry That Refuses to Let Up: India vs Pakistan at the T20 World Cup** As the stage is set for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup, the air is thick with tension. This is not just about the game of cricket, but also the complex web of politics, history, and emotions that has shrouded the relationship between these two South Asian nations for decades. The rivalry between India and Pakistan is rooted in a long-standing history of conflict and hostility. The latest skirmish in May 2025 was a stark reminder of the fragile peace between the two nations. The sporting rivalry has, in turn, been marred by incidents of tournament boycotts, cancelled matches, and ground invasions. Players from both teams have often crossed paths on the field, with moments of camaraderie and sportsmanship shining through. However, the lingering hostilities of the recent conflict have taken a toll on cricket, the most widely followed sport in South Asia. **The Handshake that Sparked a Row** In September, the controversy began when India's Suryakumar Yadav chose not to shake hands with Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha before the match. This sparked speculation about whether politics was at play. After India won the match, Yadav and his teammate Shivam Dube walked off the field without approaching the Pakistani captain and team for the traditional post-match handshakes. The gesture was seen as a snub, and Pakistan's players were left waiting in the wings. Later, Yadav revealed that his team had planned not to shake hands all along, citing the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir as the reason. **A Boycott and a Delay** The fallout from the handshake row continued with Pakistan's next group game in the Asia Cup. They refused to take the field against UAE in protest against match referee Andy Pycroft, who had been involved in the India-Pakistan match. Pakistan insisted that Pycroft be removed from their fixture, citing a "miscommunication". The match was delayed by an hour as negotiations took place behind closed doors. Pycroft eventually apologised for the mix-up. **Heated Words and References to Conflict** As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to simmer, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown at the T20 World Cup. With emotions running high, the world will be watching to see how the players conduct themselves on and