India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has said his team’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 remain unchanged despite uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation in their scheduled group-stage match.
Speaking at the captain’s meet ahead of the tournament, Suryakumar made it clear that India would travel to Colombo as planned and remain match-ready, even if Pakistan refuse to take the field, stressing that the situation is not of India’s making.
“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 said.
India Today had earlier reported that India would strictly adhere to International Cricket Council protocol and follow the tournament schedule as released.
That includes being present at the venue, completing all pre-match obligations such as training sessions and media commitments, and awaiting directions from the match referee should Pakistan fail to appear. Under ICC regulations, a no-show could result in a forfeit.
The Pakistan government later confirmed on social media that their team would participate in the tournament but would not take the field against India.
Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha also addressed the issue during the captain’s meet, reiterating that decisions on playing India lie with the government, not the team.
Asked about a possible India-Pakistan clash in the semi-finals or final, Agha said Pakistan would again have to seek official clearance if such a situation arises.
“The India game is not in our control. It was the government’s decision, and again, if we have to play them in the semi-final or the final, we have to go back to them and act on their advice. It’s the government’s decision, and we respect that, and whatever they are going to say, we’ll do it,” Agha said on Thursday.
Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA. Agha said the side was looking forward to facing the other teams in the group and was keen to put aside memories of their loss to the USA in the previous edition of the tournament.
Suryakumar also spoke about India’s cautious handling of Washington Sundar, making it clear that the all-rounder will not be rushed back as he works his way back from injury.
Washington was recently ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand after sustaining a side strain earlier in the tour, a setback that briefly raised concerns over his availability for the World Cup. Suryakumar, however, said the team management was focused on ensuring a complete recovery rather than accelerating his return.
The Indian skipper cited Tilak Varma as an example of how patience had previously paid dividends.
“Tilak Varma got a break, he couldn’t play the New Zealand series and when he came back, he was a different player. He played an A-series game and also yesterday. We are hoping Washington follows the same path,” Suryakumar said.
“He is doing really well and is almost there. We want him to be fully fit when he comes back — one hundred per cent. We are happy to be patient with him,” he added.
India are scheduled to play four group-stage matches. They open their campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai, followed by Namibia on February 12 in New Delhi. The high-profile clash against Pakistan is slated for February 15 in Colombo, before India round off their group fixtures against the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage, followed by the semi-finals. Should both India and Pakistan progress, a potential rematch in the knockouts — or even the final — remains possible, though Pakistan’s stance in such a scenario is still unclear.
For now, India insist their focus remains firmly on preparation, cricket, and adherence to ICC regulations.
