Picture Credit : BCCI
It’s not a matter- anymore - of who said what and when. It’s a matter of facts, not even perspective. Never once did Team India or any source connected to the cricket team shared that theirs is no intent on playing Pakistan or meeting Pakistan on the cricketing turf. The entire boycott drama and refusal to face India on the 22 yards is clearly Pakistan’s idea, with the clear understanding of the repercussions that its going to have on their cricket, on the whole, from a broader standpoint. Now, shedding more light on the recent development where it became clear that India and Pakistan won’t face one other in this World Cup tournament, was none other than the captain of the shortest format, T20I- Suryakumar Yadav.
India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding India–Pakistan fixtures, making it clear that neither he nor the Indian team has ever refused to play Pakistan. Speaking candidly, Suryakumar emphasized that the Indian camp remains fully committed to competing against all teams on the field, including their arch-rivals, whenever the schedule and governing bodies permit. According to Suryakumar, the narrative suggesting India’s reluctance is misplaced. He stated that it is Pakistan that has chosen to boycott playing India in the upcoming match scheduled in the next few days, shifting responsibility away from the Indian players.
He shared the following in his statement to the media:
“We have not said no to playing the match. They (Pakistan) said no.” This was his main clarification, stressing that it was Pakistan’s side that chose to boycott, and not India.”
Furthermore, he would add, “ICC has given the fixture… Our flight is booked, and we are going to Colombo.”
One notes, this was in context to where his team is headed and as per the schedule even as Pakistan don’t seem intent one bit to face their archrivals on the cricketing ground in this tournament.
The clarification comes amid heightened speculation and fan debate, given the intense rivalry and global attention that India–Pakistan encounters attract.
The India national cricket team versus Pakistan national cricket team rivalry is one of the most celebrated and emotionally charged contests in world cricket.
Matches between the two sides consistently draw massive viewership and are often considered highlights of any international tournament. Players from both teams have repeatedly expressed respect for each other, underlining that on-field competition is separate from off-field decisions. Suryakumar’s remarks reinforce the idea that players remain focused on cricket alone.
One notes that for fans, the hope remains that sporting competition will prevail, allowing one of cricket’s greatest rivalries to continue thrilling audiences worldwide.
