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.
28,000 Runs in 624 Innings: Virat Kohli Overtakes Sachin Tendulkar
January 12, 2026
Virat Kohli Overtakes Sachin Tendulkar | On Sunday, during the first ODI against New Zealand at the Kotambi International Stadium (BCA) in Vadodara, Virat Kohli achieved 28,000 international runs. He became the quickest player to reach the milestone, doing so in 624 innings. The former record was set by Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved the milestone in 644 innings. Kohli stepped
“I Don’t Feel Good About It”: Virat Kohli Calls Out Crowd Cheering Indian Wickets
January 12, 2026
Virat Kohli voiced his unease over fans celebrating Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, noting he witnessed similar behavior towards MS Dhoni and feels ‘uncomfortable with it’. Virat Kohli stated on Sunday (January 11) that he ‘doesn’t feel comfortable’ when the home fans cheer and celebrate an Indian player getting out, merely to witness the legend come to bat. The identical situation occurred
Where Did Daniil Medvedev Win His 22nd Career Title?
January 12, 2026
Daniil Medvedev triumphed at the Brisbane International, securing his 22nd career title in a distinct 22nd city. Pitbull may need to clear some space — tennis has a fresh Mr. Worldwide, and he’s called Daniil Medvedev. World No. 13 Medvedev began 2026 in impressive fashion, maneuvering and battling his way to the Brisbane International title and further enhancing his expanding
How Did Endrick Perform on His Lyon Debut? One Goal, One Statement
January 12, 2026
Endrick dazzled in his Lyon debut, netting the crucial goal against Lille in the Coupe de France and propelling Lyon to the round of 16. Endrick quickly caught France’s attention. On a chilly evening in northern France, the 19-year-old Brazilian scored on his debut for Lyon, appearing at the far post to secure a 2–1 Coupe de France victory against
Why Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace Will Be Remembered as the Greatest FA Cup Shock
January 11, 2026
Macclesfield shocked Palace 2-1, marking the first time a non-league team has knocked out FA Cup champions. The 117-place gulf is currently the biggest disparity ever bridged in FA Cup history. Sixth-tier Macclesfield FC achieved the most remarkable upset in the tournament’s history, eliminating defending champions Crystal Palace 2-1, causing a stir in English football. A non-league team had never
Who Won the United Cup Semi-Final Between Poland and USA?
January 11, 2026
Poland narrowly defeated the USA 2-1 in Sydney to secure a spot in the United Cup final, as Kawa and Zielinski clinched the win. Switzerland defeated Belgium 2-1, with Belinda Bencic in the lead. Also Read | How Did Macclesfield Beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup? United Cup 2026: Poland Knock Out Defending Champions USA Poland secured their spot
How Did Macclesfield Beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup?
January 11, 2026
John Rooney’s Macclesfield shocked Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup, resulting in Wayne Rooney feeling emotional and proud as his brother’s team achieved history at Moss Rose. Wayne Rooney struggled to hold back tears as his younger brother engineered one of the biggest surprises in FA Cup history. John Rooney’s Macclesfield, a mid-table team from the sixth division, shocked
Graeme Smith Wishes South Africa Can Beat India in Home T20 World Cup
January 11, 2026
Graeme Smith is optimistic that South Africa will triumph over India in the T20 World Cup final hosted at home, supporting SA20 as an ideal preparation and commending the increasing depth of the Proteas in white-ball cricket. South Africa ranks among the World Champions after they astonished Australia in the World Test Championship last year to claim the mace in
One Last Roar in Melbourne: Stan Wawrinka’s Possible Farewell Set for 2026 Australian Open
January 10, 2026
Stan “The Man” Wawrinka receives a wildcard for the 2026 Australian Open, signaling a potential goodbye at Melbourne Park, the site of his initial major victory. Stan “The Man” Wawrinka is returning to Melbourne, and this time it’s going to be impactful. Tennis Australia has officially granted the 40-year-old Swiss icon a wildcard for the Australian Open 2026, allowing one
How Soon Will Prabhas’ ‘The Raja Saab’ Hit Japanese Theatres?
January 9, 2026
Aiming to reach the large fan following of actor Prabhas in Japan, the team behind director Maruthi’s horror comedy ‘The Raja Saab’, starring actor Prabhas in the lead role, has announced their intention to launch the dubbed Japanese version of the film in Japan, three to six months after its release in India. During a pre-release event hosted by the