India-Pak cricket — the rivalry explained for new fans and old. Why this fixture matters more than any other, how the teams compare in 2026, the records, the classics, and where to follow every ball.
Quick answer: India–Pakistan is cricket’s biggest rivalry: 212 matches since 1952, Pakistan leading 88–81 overall, India dominating T20Is 14–3. No bilateral series since 2012–13 — they meet only at ICC/ACC events, drawing 1bn+ viewers.
Why It Matters
Born in 1952, frozen by politics since 2012–13 (no bilateral series), the rivalry now lives entirely in tournaments — which makes every meeting a pressure-cooker. A billion-plus people watch World Cup clashes; players describe it as unlike anything else in sport.
The Rivalry Today
India are the world’s best team across formats; Pakistan are rebuilding. Recent results: India won the Asia Cup 2025 final (by 5 wickets), the T20 World Cup 2026 group game (by 61 runs), and the Asian Games 2026 meeting (by 19 runs). Pakistan’s last landmark win remains the 2021 T20 World Cup 10-wicket rout.
Key Records
Overall: 212 matches, Pakistan 88–81 India. Tests 12–9 Pak · ODIs 73–58 Pak · T20Is 14–3 India. Kohli averages 70.28 vs Pakistan in T20Is; Babar averages 22 vs India. Trophies: India 18 senior titles, Pakistan 6. Full tables in our rivalry pillar guide.
How to Follow
ICC events stream on official broadcasters per region; our match update page carries every result with scorecards. For Pakistan’s squad news, see our squad guide.
Why is India vs Pakistan the biggest rivalry?
History, politics, scale (1bn+ viewers), and genuine cricketing quality — no fixture combines all four like this one.
Do India and Pakistan play each other regularly?
No — only in ICC and ACC tournaments since 2012–13, usually 1–3 meetings per year on neutral venues.
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