Mumbai: Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, Indian captain Sourav Kumar Yadav responded to Pakistan’s decision not to play against India in the tournament, clarifying that the choice was made by Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan, not by the Indian team.
Pakistan, under government instructions, will not face India on February 15, 2026, in the World Cup. Speaking at a media briefing in Mumbai before the tournament, Yadav said, “Whether the match happens or not, the Indian team will go to Colombo. We did not refuse to play against Pakistan; the refusal came from their side.”
Yadav explained that the ICC set the schedule, after which the BCCI and Indian government decided, in consultation with ICC, to play at a neutral venue. He confirmed, “Our flight to Colombo is booked, and we are going. What happens next will be seen later.”
Discussing the team’s schedule and preparation, Yadav said India’s plan is clear: first, the February 7 match, then February 12 against Namibia, followed by departure to Colombo.
He emphasized that the decision regarding the February 15 match is not in their hands, adding, “If we are asked to play on that day, we will certainly do so.”
This situation mirrors last year’s Asia Cup, when political tensions between India and Pakistan affected the event.
During that tournament, under Indian government instructions, the team avoided shaking hands with Pakistan players, and India did not collect the trophy from ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, despite winning the Asia Cup.