Mumbai: Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has firmly quashed speculation over the much-hyped India-Pakistan clash at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, making it clear that Team India never refused to play the archrivals— it was Pakistan’s side that backed out.
Speaking at the pre-tournament captains’ press conference in Mumbai ahead of India’s opener against the USA on February 7, Suryakumar addressed the brewing controversy head-on. Pakistan’s government had directed their team to boycott the February 15 Group A encounter at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, citing geopolitical tensions and solidarity with Bangladesh (which was replaced by Scotland in the tournament over safety concerns).
“Our mindset is clear – we didn’t say no to playing against Pakistan; they did,” Suryakumar stated emphatically. The ICC has scheduled the match, we have booked our flight tickets to Colombo, and we plan to travel there following our first game. We played them three times in the Asia Cup and had some excellent cricket against them. If we get the chance, we will play.”
He added that the decision rests beyond players’ control, acknowledging it as a tough call for Pakistani cricketers too, while stressing India’s focus remains on preparations. As defending champions and the current top-ranked T20 side, the Men in Blue are eyeing a historic title defence on home soil, undeterred by off-field noise.
The statement comes amid heightened anticipation for the fixture, with the tournament featuring 20 teams and India tipped as a strong favourite thanks to their aggressive brand of cricket.