World Cup T20 boycott row: India ready to face Pakistan, says Captain Suryakumar Yadav

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav has stressed that the team is fully prepared to face Pakistan in their Men’s T20 World Cup preliminary-stage clash on February 15. However, he questioned whether the decision-makers would be able to ensure that the game takes place following the Government of Pakistan’s directive to the Pakistan Cricket Board not to take the field against India.

“Our mindset is pretty clear. We have not said no (to playing against Pakistan). They have. ICC has given the fixture. Our flight is booked and we are going there (to Colombo),” Suryakumar said during the pre-tournament captains’ media interaction in Mumbai on Thursday February 5, 2026.

“Their (Pakistan’s) decision is not in my control. I wish I could take their decision, but then it is their call,” he added.

Last week, the Pakistan Government announced on social media that the Pakistan team will forfeit the league match against India. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) responded through a media release, there has so far been no official dialogue between the PCB and the ICC regarding the fate of the contest.

Asked about his message to the ICC with the future of the world’s most anticipated cricket fixture hanging in the balance, Suryakumar admitted he was unsure how much the governing body could intervene.

“I feel it is not an easy job. It is not my call. I am sure they might be working out something as well, but (since) it has come from the other government or the nation, how can they (the ICC) help as well!” Suryakumar said.

“For them as well, I know it will be a difficult situation they will be in. But as I said, if we are told and the fixtures are ready, we will definitely go ahead.”

The India captain reiterated that the team harbours no hesitation about facing Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments, as has been the norm for over a decade.

“We played them three times in the Asia Cup, we played some good cricket. We won (all the matches) and we were very happy. Similarly, if we get an opportunity in Colombo, we will definitely play,” Suryakumar said, before adding in jest, “Our flight is booked for Colombo and we are going there.”