India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Thursday addressed the uncertainty surrounding India’s high-profile T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, making it clear that India has not refused to play the fixture scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference in Mumbai, Suryakumar said India would travel to Colombo as planned, regardless of Pakistan’s stance. He stressed that the Indian team had received no instructions to skip the match and was fully prepared to honour the ICC fixture at the neutral venue.
“The mindset is clear. We have not refused to play. The ICC has given the schedule and the government has decided on a neutral venue. Our flight to Colombo is booked,” Suryakumar said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reiterated on Wednesday that the Salman Ali Agha-led side would not play India next week. The PCB is yet to officially inform the ICC of any boycott.
If Pakistan do not turn up for the match, India will be awarded a walkover and two points, provided the Indian team is present for the toss at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
