Flight booked and we are going to Colombo, says Suryakumar

Captain Suryakumar Yadav has stressed that India is fully prepared to face Pakistan in the T20 World Cup preliminary-stage clash on February 15.

But he raised doubts about whether the decision-makers will be able to ensure the game takes place following the Government of Pakistan’s directive to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of not taking the field against India.

“Our mindset is pretty clear. We have not said no (to playing against Pakistan). They have.

“The ICC has given the fixture. Our flight is booked and we are going there (Colombo),” Suryakumar said during the pre-tournament captains’ media interaction here on Thursday.

“Their (Pakistan’s) decision is not in my control. I wish I could take their decision, but then, it is their call.”

Last week, the Pakistan government announced via social media that the Pakistan team will forfeit the group match against India. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) responded through a media release, there has been no official dialogue between the PCB and the ICC regarding the fate of the contest so far.

Asked about his message to the ICC with the future of the world’s most anticipated cricket fixture hanging in the balance, Suryakumar admitted that he was unsure how much the governing body could intervene.

“I feel it is not an easy job. It is not my call. I am sure they might be working out something as well, but since it has come from the other government or the nation, how can they (the ICC) help?” Suryakumar said.

“For them as well, 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.”

The India captain reiterated that the team was never hesitant about facing Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments, as has been the norm for over a decade.

“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,” Suryakumar said.