T20 WC
‘We never said no’: Suryakumar Yadav says India ready for Pakistan clash at T20 World Cup
Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav on Thursday said his team is fully prepared to face Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, even as the arch-rivals have boycotted their group-stage clash.
Speaking to the media, Yadav clarified that India has never refused to play Pakistan and will travel to Colombo, the neutral venue approved for the high-voltage fixture.
“Our mindset is very clear. We have not said no to playing the match. The decision came from the other side. The ICC has released the official fixtures, and the BCCI along with the government has agreed on a neutral venue with the ICC. Our flight to Colombo is booked, so we are going for sure,” Yadav said, as quoted by NDTV.
India will open its World Cup campaign on February 7 before flying to Colombo for the February 15 clash against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s decision comes amid ongoing bilateral tensions and could create an unusual scenario if the two teams meet in the semifinals or final. Under ICC regulations, India can be awarded two points for the abandoned group-stage match only if the team is present for the toss.
The International Cricket Council has criticised Pakistan’s decision, saying selective participation undermines the global interest of the sport and its fans.
“While the ICC respects the role of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” the ICC said in a statement.
The governing body added that it hopes the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will consider the long-term implications of the move, warning it could affect Pakistan’s standing within the global cricket ecosystem.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will open with the Pakistan–Netherlands match in Sri Lanka, the tournament’s other host nation.
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