Amid escalating cricket diplomacy, Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav reaffirmed the team’s readiness to face Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup, countering their boycott call. In Thursday’s press conference, he highlighted confirmed travel plans, quashing rumors of any pullout.
The pivotal Group A encounter, fixed for February 15 in Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, involves powerhouses India, Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands, and USA. Jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s matches stay in Sri Lanka for neutrality – except this one, vetoed by official orders.
Addressing queries, Yadav was unequivocal: ‘We never turned down playing Pakistan; that’s their call. Clarity all around. ICC’s schedule stands, neutral venue sorted with BCCI and govt input. Flights to Colombo locked – we’ll arrive after February 7 fixture. Discussions held; everyone’s aligned.’
Backstory includes ICC swapping Bangladesh for Scotland over venue safety. Pakistan reiterated its position via PM’s statement. ICC critiqued the selective approach, advocating full participation for event integrity.
This saga tests cricket’s resilience against borders. Yadav’s measured yet firm stance rallies Indian support, with eyes on potential interventions to salvage the fixture and uphold the game’s global appeal.