Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Feb 9: Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Sunday expressed surprise over Pakistan’s reported decision to not play against India in their much-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Speaking to reporters, Ganguly questioned the rationale behind backing out of a World Cup match, pointing out that the contest was set to be held at a neutral venue. “Backing out of a World Cup for what? They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised at Pakistan backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important,” he said.
Pakistan had earlier announced that it would boycott its match against India, citing support for Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the tournament.
Ahead of the tournament, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had made it clear that the Indian team was fully prepared to play the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Speaking during the captains’ media briefing in Colombo, Suryakumar reiterated that India’s stance remained unchanged.
“Our mindset is clear — we will play. Our flight is booked, and we are going. Rest, they can see for themselves. Their decision is not in my control,” he was quoted as saying by the ICC. He added that India had previously played Pakistan at neutral venues, including during the Asia Cup, and was ready to take the field in Colombo on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8. Defending champions India will begin their campaign against the USA on February 7, followed by their second group match on February 12.
India have been placed in Group A along with Namibia, the Netherlands, the USA and Pakistan.
India’s squad for the tournament includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh.
Pakistan’s squad features Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan and Usman Tariq.