India captain Suryakumar Yadav said on Thursday that his team is fully prepared to face Pakistan in their Men’s T20 World Cup preliminary-stage match on February 15 in Colombo, but questioned whether the game would go ahead after the Pakistan government directed its board not to play.
Speaking at the pre-tournament captains’ media interaction, Yadav made it clear that India has no hesitation about the fixture and will travel as scheduled.
“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,” Yadav said.
The Pakistan government announced last week on social media that the national team would forfeit the league match against India. While the International Cricket Council later issued a media release, there has been no official dialogue between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board on the fate of the contest.
Yadav said the situation was beyond his control and acknowledged the limits of the ICC’s influence when government decisions are involved.
“Their decision is not in my control. I wish I could take their decision, but then it is their call,” he said.
Asked what message he had for the ICC with the sport’s most anticipated fixture in doubt, Yadav admitted there were few easy options.
“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 help as well,” he said. “For them as well, I know it will be a difficult situation they will be in. But if we are told and the fixtures are ready, we will definitely go ahead.”
The India captain reiterated that his side has consistently played Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments over the past decade and would do so again if the opportunity arises.
“We played them three times in the Asia Cup; we played some good cricket. We won all the matches and we were very happy,” Yadav said. “Similarly, if we get an opportunity in Colombo, we will definitely play.”
He ended on a lighter note, repeating: “Our flight is booked for Colombo and we are going there.”
