MUMBAI (Kashmir English): Indian side will travel to Colombo as planned for their T20 World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, despite the latter’s decision to boycott the match citing geopolitical tensions.
Pakistan government has directed its team to boycott the February 15 Group A match to express solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland under an ICC decision following their refusal to tour India over safety concerns.
“Our mindset is clear,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav had told reporters at the captains’ pre-tournament press conference in Mumbai. “We have not refused to play – they have. We’ve booked our flight and we are going.”
India, currently the top-ranked T20 team, are aiming to become the first nation to defend the title, and also the first hosts to win the T20 World Cup.
On the other hand, Pakistan decision of boycotting the India contest would leave them with little margin for error in their bid to reach the Super-8 stage, as only the top two teams from each group in the 20-team tournament will advance.
Pakistan-USA game at 2024 T20 World Cup
Group A also has Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA, who shocked Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha had said the decision to boycott the India game was “not in our control”.
“It’s a government decision, and we respect that,” Salman told reporters in Colombo.
“Yeah, we lost to USA in the last World Cup, but that’s history now. It’s a new World Cup, it’s a new team, and it’s a new combination.
“All three teams in our group, they are very good sides… So, we are preparing for these games like we always do against any other team.”
Asked what would they do should Pakistan and India meet in a knockout game, Salman said they would follow government advice.
On the other hand, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has played down the significance of their 3-0 series loss to Pakistan heading into the tournament.
“Look, Pakistan was Pakistan. We had a few guys missing and we come here with a long lead-in,” Marsh said. “We will be very well-prepared for our first game.”
Australia will be without Pat Cummins due to injury, while Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the early games. However, Marsh expressed confidence in their bowling depth.
