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India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav says his side will board the flight to Colombo for the scheduled 15 February World Cup meeting with Pakistan, even if their opponents stay away.
“Our flight to Colombo is booked. So we are going,” Suryakumar told journalists in Mumbai on Thursday. “We did not refuse to play them. The refusal came from them (Pakistan). ICC organised the fixture. BCCI and (Indian) government decided to play in neutral venue in coordination with ICC.”
India open their title defence against the USA on 7 February in Mumbai and meet Namibia in Delhi on 12 February before the much-discussed game in Sri Lanka. The captain said the dressing-room focus remains clear-cut. “The discussion in the team is ekdum (absolutely) clear. First we play the match on February 7, then we will head to Delhi and then we will travel to Colombo.”
Political frost
Pakistan’s government is yet to approve participation in a bilateral contest on neutral soil, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif having spoken on Wednesday of a “considered stance” and a desire to avoid “politics in sport”. The uncertainty echoes last year’s Asia Cup, where the two boards clashed over venues and post-match protocol. On that occasion India were instructed not to shake hands with their rivals and later declined to receive the trophy from ACC president and PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi.
Suryakumar admitted he has little influence over the diplomatic impasse. “Their (Pakistan) decision is not in my control,” he said. “I wish I could take that decision. But then it’s their call… if we get an opportunity again in Colombo we will definitely play our game.”
Preparation, not provocation
India arrive in the tournament after a comfortable warm-up win against South Africa in Navi Mumbai. Aakash Chopra, the former opener, believes form and depth justify the tag of favourites but warns against complacency. “They have most bases covered, but the middle overs with the ball can tighten up,” Chopra said during a broadcast analysis. “Get that wrong and the group opens up.”
Head coach Rahul Dravid, speaking away from the cameras, stressed rhythm over rhetoric. “The key is to treat every group game the same,” he noted. “Control what we can, stay adaptable, move on quickly.”
Balancing act
India’s likely XI retains its familiar spine yet could spring a surprise at the back end with an extra seamer if conditions in Colombo mirror the slower surfaces seen there last August. Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene suggests caution. “Evening dew can even things up,” he said. “Start with your best attack, then tweak.”
Whatever the combination, the squad will travel as planned. “If we are told and the fixtures are ready we will definitely go ahead and play,” Suryakumar concluded.
Fixtures – Group A
7 Feb: India v USA, Mumbai
12 Feb: India v Namibia, Delhi
15 Feb: India v Pakistan, Colombo (subject to confirmation)
The schedule remains unchanged by the ICC, with tickets for Colombo still on sale. Whether Pakistan arrive or not, the defending champions intend to fulfil their end of the bargain.
