India captain Suryakumar Yadav stated on Thursday that despite Pakistan’s announcement of a boycott of the match, his team will travel to Colombo for the ICC T20 World Cup encounter against Pakistan.
Nonetheless, the Indian captain acknowledged that the situation is difficult for all parties involved, especially the ICC, which has threatened Pakistan with dire repercussions.
“I feel it is not an easy job. It is not my call. I’m sure they (the ICC) might be working out something as well but it has come from the other government or the nation, how can they (the ICC) help as well?” PTI quoted Suryakumar as saying during the pre-tournament captains’ press conference at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
India and their bitter rivals are set to play on February 15, but Pakistan’s cricket squad has been instructed by the authorities to forego the match after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland due to “security concerns” about playing in India.
“…their (Pakistan’s) decision is not in my control. I wish I could take their decisions, but then it is their call,” Suryakumar said.
“We have been told that we have to play a game there (in Colombo) on (February) 15th. We played them three times in the Asia Cup, we played some good cricket. We won (all the matches) and we were very happy.
“Similarly, if we get an opportunity in Colombo, we will definitely play,” he added.
The first match of the T20 World Cup between India and the USA will take place on Saturday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Group A consists of reigning champions India, Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.
“Our mindset is pretty clear. We have not said no (to playing against Pakistan). They have. ICC has given the fixture. Our flight is booked and we are going there (to Colombo),” Suryakumar added.
When questioned about what he would say to those in positions of authority who could guarantee the competition between the bitter rivals, the Indian captain acknowledged that the situation is complicated in his response, but he reaffirmed that his team will “definitely” be present for the match.
“I know it will be a difficult situation…But as I said, if we are told and the fixtures are ready, we will definitely go ahead,” he added.
In response to a question on his attitude as captain in light of the current circumstances, Suryakumar stated, “The mindset is pretty clear. We have not said no, it has come from them. The ICC has given a fixture, the BCCI and the (Indian) government has decided with the ICC on playing at a neutral venue.
“Humaari toh flight booked hai Colombo ki bhai, aur hum toh jaa rahe hain… aur baaki udhar dekh lenge (our flight is booked for Colombo and we are going).
“The discussion in the team is (also) clear. First, we will play the match on 7th. Then we will go to (New) Delhi (for match against Namibia) and after that we will go to Colombo,” he added.
