Hanumankind skips performing the Dhurandhar title track at Ind Vs Pak T20 World Cup: Here is why

Taking centre stage, Hanumankind delivered a power-packed performance of his globally acclaimed 2024 hit, Big Dawgs.

• Hanumankind performed at IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 opener
• He skipped the controversial Dhurandhar track in his set
• Dhurandhar film remains banned but widely pirated in Pakistan

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The much-awaited IND vs PAK showdown at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 lit up the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026, turning the iconic venue into a cauldron of emotion, rivalry and spectacle. While cricket fans from both nations packed the stands in anticipation of the high-voltage clash, it was rapper Hanumankind who grabbed early headlines even before the first ball was bowled.

Taking centre stage, Hanumankind delivered a power-packed performance of his globally acclaimed 2024 hit, Big Dawgs.

The stadium reverberated with cheers as Indian and Pakistani supporters alike vibed to the thumping beats. With a dynamic troupe of dancers amplifying the energy, the arena transformed into a dazzling showcase of lights, rhythm and raw stage presence, setting the tone for the blockbuster fixture.

However, amid the electric atmosphere, fans were quick to observe a notable omission from his setlist. Hanumankind refrained from performing the controversial Dhurandhar title track. Given the presence of a cross-border audience and the politically sensitive environment surrounding the India–Pakistan match, the rapper chose not to include the rap number during the international sporting spectacle.

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The decision did not go unnoticed. The film and its soundtrack have faced a ban in Pakistan, making the absence of the track particularly striking. Considering the charged backdrop of the event and the global attention on the fixture, Hanumankind appeared to deliberately steer clear of the politically loaded anthem.

Despite Indian films not receiving an official theatrical release in Pakistan since 2019, reports indicate that Dhurandhar still managed to reach audiences across the border.

The film allegedly recorded nearly two million pirated digital downloads in the country. Additionally, Pakistani viewers reportedly accessed the film following its digital premiere on Netflix, underscoring its widespread curiosity and reach.

Meanwhile, the very idea of staging a musical act ahead of the India–Pakistan clash has sparked intense debate online. Several social media users questioned why this particular group-stage match was being elevated into a grand spectacle, drawing comparisons with other fixtures in the tournament that did not receive similar treatment.

Also read: Pirated DVDs of Ranveer Singh’s “Dhurandhar” reportedly sold for Rs 16 in Pakistan

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar revisits a series of sensitive historical chapters, including the 1999 Kandahar hijack, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and the Lyari gang wars.

The film features an ensemble cast led by Ranveer Singh, alongside Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun in pivotal roles. Its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, is slated to release in theatres on March 19, 2026.