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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that the Men in Blue are pressing ahead with their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, regardless of Pakistan‘s threat to boycott their marquee clash. The rivalry, often the crown jewel of any global tournament, is currently mired in a diplomatic stalemate after the Pakistan government directed its team to skip the February 15 fixture in Colombo.
Suryakumar Yadav sets the record straight on Pakistan’s potential boycott of T20 World Cup 2026 fixture
Speaking with characteristic composure at the pre-tournament captain’s press conference on February 5, 2026, Suryakumar addressed the elephant in the room with absolute clarity. He emphasized that India is adhering strictly to the ICC-approved schedule and has no intention of backing away from the high-stakes encounter.
“Our mindset is very clear. We haven’t said no to playing them; they are the ones who’ve said no. Our flights are booked, and we are going to Colombo. Our fixtures are ready, first USA, then Canada, and then we are off to Colombo,” Suryakumar stated firmly. He dismissed any talk of preparation shifts, noting that India is ready to fulfill every tournament obligation.
While Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reiterated that the decision to boycott is a government directive beyond the players’ control, Suryakumar highlighted that India will be at the R. Premadasa Stadium as scheduled. Under ICC regulations, if the Indian team is present for the coin toss and Pakistan fails to appear, the match will be declared a forfeit. This would award India two points and significantly damage Pakistan’s Net Run Rate (NRR), as a forfeit is often treated as a loss with maximum negative statistical impact, a blow that could end Pakistan’s tournament hopes before the Super 8s.
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India’s dominant form and the road to the title
The boycott drama comes at a time when India is arguably the most formidable T20I side in the world. Since their historic 2024 World Cup triumph, the team has undergone a seamless transition under Suryakumar’s leadership. India enter this tournament following a record-breaking 2024 and 2025 season, maintaining a staggering win percentage of over 90%. With young stars like Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma firing alongside veterans like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, the defending champions are widely favoured to retain their crown.
India’s path through Group A is strategically structured:
- February 7: vs. USA (Mumbai)
- February 12: vs. Namibia (New Delhi)
- February 15: vs. Pakistan (Colombo)
- February 18: vs. Netherlands (Ahmedabad)
While the February 15 clash in Colombo remains the biggest talking point, the Indian camp remains focused on the task at hand. If both teams progress, they could meet again in the knockouts, leaving Agha’s side in a precarious position. For now, India stand ready to play, leaving the ball and the political fallout firmly in Pakistan’s court.
Also READ: Shehbaz Sharif breaks silence on why Pakistan won’t face India in T20 World Cup 2026
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
