Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, has firmly stated that the Indian team never refused to play Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup, clarifying that the decision to step away from the marquee clash came from the other side.
Amid growing speculation around the high-voltage India-Pakistan encounter, Suryakumar confirmed that India’s travel plans for the match are already in place, with flight tickets booked for Colombo.
Suryakumar Yadav: ‘Humne Mana Nahi Kiya Hai’
Speaking at the captains’ day ahead of the tournament, Suryakumar Yadav addressed the controversy directly and removed any ambiguity surrounding India’s stance.
“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. Our flights to Colombo are already booked.)
His statement comes after Pakistan’s government denied permission for its cricket team to play the fixture scheduled in Colombo.
India’s Travel Plan Already Finalised
Suryakumar Yadav also outlined India’s scheduled travel route, reiterating that preparations on India’s end are complete.
“Pehle hum yahan khelenge, phir Delhi jaayenge, phir wahaan se Colombo jaayenge. I feel their decision isn’t in my control.”
According to the Indian skipper, the team will play its matches in Mumbai first, travel to Delhi, and then fly to Colombo for the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan.
Why Pakistan Declined The Match
Pakistan’s government decided against granting permission for the team to play the match in Colombo. Although no official explanation has been issued, the decision is being viewed as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh were earlier knocked out of the World Cup after refusing to play their matches in India, citing security concerns.
Background Of The Controversy
The situation escalated after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the IPL following instructions from the BCCI, with no formal reason disclosed. Soon after, Bangladesh declined to travel to India, citing safety concerns, which indirectly triggered the current chain of events.
ICC Issues Warning To PCB
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly warned the Pakistan Cricket Board that boycotting the India-Pakistan match could lead to punitive sanctions. The ICC has also conveyed that such a decision would not be in the broader interest of the sport.
India-Pakistan Clash: The Biggest Draw Of ICC Events
The India-Pakistan fixture remains the most anticipated match of any ICC tournament, consistently delivering peak global viewership, massive sponsorship attention, and record broadcast revenues.
With Suryakumar Yadav making India’s position crystal clear, the spotlight now remains on Pakistan’s final stance as the tournament approaches.
Tournament Details At A Glance
- Tournament Start Date: Saturday, February 7
- Pakistan’s Matches: To be played entirely in Sri Lanka
- India’s Status: Ready to play, travel plans confirmed
Key Takeaway
Suryakumar Yadav’s remarks firmly establish that India has not backed out of the India-Pakistan clash. With tickets booked and schedules planned, the Indian camp stands ready, while the uncertainty continues from across the border.
✅FAQ Block
Did India refuse to play Pakistan in the T20 World Cup?
No. Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that India never refused to play Pakistan and that the decision came from the other side.
What did Suryakumar Yadav say about the Colombo match?
Suryakumar Yadav stated that India’s flight tickets to Colombo are already booked and the team is ready to travel.
Why is the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in doubt?
The match is uncertain after Pakistan’s government denied permission for its team to play, reportedly as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh.
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