NEW DELHI: There is no denying that the India-Pakistan rivalry is the most watched in world cricket, but it no longer excites former India captain Sourav Ganguly, given Pakistan's lack of competitiveness in the game.

Ganguly revealed that he began watching the India vs Pakistan match but switched to the Manchester Derby - the English Premier League clash between Manchester United and Manchester City - just 15 overs into the game.

"Pakistan are no longer a competitive side now, I switched my TV sets to watch the Manchester derby after the first 15 overs. I would watch India play Australia, England, South Africa, even Afghanistan, rather than watching Pakistan," Ganguly said at the event.

Ganguly pointed out that Pakistan used to be a force to reckon with when they had the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Javed Miandad in their ranks, but he feels the current side is not worth watching at all.

"There is no competition between India and Pakistan anymore," Ganguly said during a public interaction in Kolkata. "I always say, we think of Pakistan as Waqar Younises, Wasim Akrams, the Saeed Anwars and Javed Miandads. But that's not the case with this modern-day Pakistan - it's now like chalk and cheese."

"Pakistan are no match. I say that with respect, it's just because I've seen what their team was," he said. "It's the lack of quality in the side. This (Indian) team has played without (Virat) Kohli and Rohit (Sharma), who were the two stalwarts of Indian cricket for such a long period of time. India are just too far ahead in cricket for Pakistan and most of these Asia Cup teams."

"There will be one or two days when they get beaten, but the majority of days they (India) would be the best team," he added.

Although the on-field contest was one-sided, the absence of handshakes between Indian and Pakistani players grabbed greater attention. Asked for his take on the matter, Ganguly said it was best left to India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has already explained his side of the story.

"You'll have to ask Suryakumar Yadav, he has to answer. I'm too far, launching my ethnic brand. He's also answered it... Everyone has their own side of the story, that's what it is," he said.

"Terror must stop, that's most important - all around the world, not just India and Pakistan. But, sports also cannot stop," Ganguly concluded.