IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav, India T20I captain, has clarified that India has not refused to play Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup, stating that the decision to opt out has come from the other side. He added that India’s travel plans for Colombo are already finalised, with the team’s tickets booked for the marquee clash against their arch-rivals.
Pakistan’s government has reportedly denied permission to its national cricket team to participate in the high-voltage encounter in Colombo, scheduled for February 15, 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Mohsin Naqvi, offered no official reason for the decision, which has been widely viewed as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh.
The Bangla Tigers were knocked out of the tournament after declining to play their matches in India, citing 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)”, Surya said at the captains’ day event ahead of the T20 World Cup, reiterating India’s readiness to play.
“Pehle hum yahan khelenge, phir Delhi jaayenge, phir wahaan se Colombo jaayenge (First we will play in Mumbai, then head to Delhi and then travel to Colombo). I feel their decision isn’t in my control.”
“We have been told we have to play a game on 15th. We played them thrice in Asia Cup. we played well. We have a game to play on 15th,” the 35-year-old added.
The T20 World Cup 2026 begins on Saturday, February 7, with Pakistan scheduled to play all its matches in Sri Lanka under an agreement involving the BCCI and the ICC.
For a walkover to be awarded, the Indian team must be present at the R. Premadasa Stadium for the toss on February 15. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not turn up for the coin toss, the match referee will award the game to India by walkover.
The ICC has reportedly warned the PCB that any boycott of the marquee India versus Pakistan clash could lead to strict sanctions, stressing that such a move would not be in the best interests of the sport.
The India-Pakistan fixture remains the most-watched match at any ICC event, commanding peak global viewership, sponsorship interest, and broadcast revenue.
