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.
What Sparked the Post-Match Brawl in Tottenham vs Aston Villa FA Cup Clash?
January 30, 2026
Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa were each penalized £125,000 by the FA after a fierce post-match altercation at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following their FA Cup encounter. Why Did Tottenham and Aston Villa Get Fined £125,000 by the FA? The FA has imposed fines of £125,000 each on Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa due to a large altercation at the conclusion
Benfica vs Real Madrid 4-2: Full Result, Scorers, and Qualification Impact
January 29, 2026
Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2 after Anatoliy Trubin netted a last-minute goal, igniting excitement among José Mourinho and the fans, and ensured their place in the Champions League play-offs. Why Benfica Needed a Two-Goal Win — And How They Pulled It Off The Estadio da Luz certainly lived up to its reputation on a thrilling Champions League evening as Benfica
Is Serena Williams Planning a Shock Return to Professional Tennis?
January 29, 2026
Serena Williams fuels speculation of a comeback by re-entering the anti-doping pool and hesitating when questioned about a potential return to tennis. Serena Williams has not dismissed the rumors of a possible return to professional tennis, providing a thoughtfully phrased reply that has sparked renewed speculation about the sport’s most celebrated contemporary champion. When questioned directly about the possibility of
‘Jana Nayagan’ Release Uncertain After Madras HC Order
January 28, 2026
On Tuesday, a division bench of the Madras High Court annulled a single judge’s order instructing the censor board to approve Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’ for theatrical release. HC quashes order to release ‘Jana Nayagan’ The initial bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan subsequently returned the matter to the single judge for renewed evaluation
What Did Arijit Singh Say About Calling Off Playback Singing?
January 28, 2026
In a post on his social media accounts, Mr. Arijit Singh announced that he has chosen to leave playback singing, a decision made at the height of his career as one of the most sought-after voices in Hindi films. “I am calling it off, it was a wonderful journey,” Arijit Singh stated on Tuesday (January 27, 2026), revealing that he
Why Jana Nayagan Release Has Been Delayed Again?
January 27, 2026
Vijay’s Jana Nayagan was initially set to premiere on January 9 but was delayed because of certification problems. In a significant setback for actor Thalapathy Vijay’s upcoming movie Jana Nayagan, the Madras High Court on Tuesday overturned a single judge’s ruling that had instructed the censor board to provide a certificate for the film. The choice has postponed the debut
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Scotland Replaces Bangladesh Explained
January 24, 2026
Scotland takes Bangladesh’s place in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after BCB declined to compete in India. The ICC has confirmed that Scotland will take the place of Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. On Saturday, it was officially announced that Bangladesh will not take part in the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after the
First Twitter (X) Reviews of Border 2: Praise, Patriotism, and Polarised Opinions
January 23, 2026
Border 2 Film Review and Ratings: The initial reviews also commended Diljit Dosanjh and director Anurag Singh. Border 2 Film Review And Ratings: Following much excitement, Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty’s Border 2 has finally premiered in cinemas on Friday, January 23. Initial reviews of the movie have begun to come in on X, and thus
Who Is Bill Kennedy? The NBA Referee Headed to the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame
January 21, 2026
Bill Kennedy leads the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame 2026 class, alongside Rick Welts, Robin Roberts, and Sue Wicks, recognizing pioneers in sports, advocacy, and inclusivity. NBA favorite Bill Kennedy is set to enter the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame — and it seems well-deserved. NBA Referee Bill Kennedy to Be Inducted Into LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame The NBA’s
