IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026: India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has asserted that the team’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 remain unaffected amid uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation in their scheduled group-stage clash in Colombo on 15 February, 2026.
Speaking at the captains’ meeting ahead of the marquee event, Suryakumar confirmed that India will travel to Colombo as per schedule and stay match-ready, even if Pakistan choose not to take the field. He stressed that responsibility for the situation does not rest with India, underlining the team’s focus on cricket rather than controversy.
Suryakumar Yadav on IND vs PAK at T20 World Cup
“Humne manaa nahi kiya hai khelne. Unhone mana kiya hai. Hamara flights booked hai Colombo ke liye (We haven’t refused to play against Pakistan. They have refused)”, Surya said at the captains’ day event ahead of the T20 World Cup, reiterating India’s readiness to play.
Furthermore, he added, “Pehle hum yahan khelenge, phir Delhi jaayenge, phir wahaan se Colombo jaayenge (First we will play in Mumbai, then head to Delhi and then travel to Colombo). I feel their decision isn’t in my control.”
Last week, Pakistan’s government announced that its men’s cricket team would not play against India on February 15 in Colombo, without providing an official reason for the decision.
The move was widely interpreted as a protest following Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament, after the Bangla Tigers declined to travel to India for their T20 World Cup fixtures.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to formally convey the government’s directive to the ICC, any boycott by Pakistan would result in a walkover, handing India two points.
For the walkover to be enforced, the Indian team must be present at the R. Premadasa Stadium for the toss on February 15. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha fails to appear for the coin toss, the match referee will award the match to India by walkover.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later confirmed the government’s stance, reinforcing the decision not to field the team for the high-profile clash.
Surya on his own batting form
The Mumbai batter also spoke about the weight of expectations on Team India as they prepare to defend the title at home.
“The way we have been playing, it feels like the pressure is on us. I’m very relieved to have found my form again. It’s good to be back among the runs ahead of a big tournament,” Surya said at his pre-tournament press conference ahead of the T20 World Cup.
