India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that India did not refuse to play Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, confirming flights to Colombo were booked even before Pakistan’s withdrawal.
India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified that India did not decline to face Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. He confirmed the team prepared fully for the fixture and booked travel to Colombo in advance.
The decision to not play came from Pakistan’s side after its government withheld permission for the match. The move is viewed as support for Bangladesh, who exited the tournament after refusing to play in India due to security concerns.
“Humne manaa nahi kiya hai khelne. Unhone mana kiya hai. Hamara flights booked hai Colombo ke liye (We haven’t refused to play against Pakistan. They have refused. Our flights to Colombo are already booked.)”, Suryakumar said while speaking at the Captain’s Day.
“Pehle hum yahan khelenge, phir Delhi jaayenge, phir wahaan se Colombo jaayenge (First we will play in Mumbai, head to Delhi, and then travel to Colombo). I feel their decision isn’t in my control,” he added.
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The tournament begins on Saturday, February 7. Under existing arrangements with the BCCI and ICC, Pakistan are scheduled to play all matches in Sri Lanka. The ICC has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board that a boycott on February 15 could trigger disciplinary action.
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