Mumbai: India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Thursday asserted that his team is fully prepared to face Pakistan in their high-voltage Men’s T20 World Cup preliminary-stage match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, while questioning whether the match would go ahead following the Pakistan government’s directive to its cricket board not to play India.
Speaking during the pre-tournament captains’ media interaction in Mumbai on February 5, Suryakumar made it clear that India has not backed away from the fixture and is ready to honour the ICC schedule.
“Our mindset is pretty clear. We have not said no to playing Pakistan. They have,” Suryakumar said. “The ICC has given the fixture. BCCI and the government have decided on neutral venues. Our flight is booked and we are going to Colombo.”
The India-Pakistan match is India’s third league game of the upcoming T20 World Cup. India open their campaign against the USA on February 7, followed by a clash against Namibia in Delhi, before travelling to Colombo.
“The discussion in the team is clear. First, we play the USA, then Namibia, and after that we go to Colombo,” he added. “We played Pakistan three times in the Asia Cup, played good cricket, won all the matches and were very happy. If we get the opportunity in Colombo, we will definitely play.”
When asked about his message to those working behind the scenes to ensure the match takes place, Suryakumar acknowledged the complexity of the situation.
“It’s not an easy job, and it’s not my call,” he said. “I’m sure the ICC is working on it, but when it comes from another government or nation, how much can they really help? If the fixtures are ready and we are told to play, we will go ahead.”
Earlier in the day in Colombo, Pakistan captain Salman Agha reiterated that the decision was beyond the players’ control.
“The India game is not in our control,” Agha said. “It’s a government decision, and we respect that. Whatever they decide, we will follow. We are focused on the other three games and are very excited.”
The Pakistan government’s stance is reportedly linked to its support for Bangladesh, who were voted out of the tournament by the ICC Board after an independent review found no security threat to Bangladeshi players in India. Bangladesh had insisted on playing only if their matches were moved out of India.
Source: The Hindu, Hindustan Times
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