NewKerala.com

Ganguly "Surprised" by Pakistan's Boycott; India Ready for Feb 15 Clash

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Pakistan's decision to boycott their T20 World Cup fixture against India on February 15. India's captain Suryakumar Yadav stated the team's mindset is clear and they are proceeding to Colombo for the scheduled match. Pakistan announced the boycott in support of Bangladesh's decision not to travel to India for the tournament. The defending champions India are in Group A with Pakistan, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands.

Key Points: Pak Boycotts India T20 WC Match; Ganguly Reacts, SKY Firm

  • Pakistan boycotts Feb 15 T20 WC match vs India
  • Ganguly calls decision surprising
  • India captain Suryakumar Yadav says team is ready
  • Boycott is in support of Bangladesh's earlier decision
  • India opens campaign vs USA on Feb 7
2 min read

"I am surprised of Pakistan backing out": Sourav Ganguly on Pak's boycott decision for India fixture

Sourav Ganguly surprised by Pakistan's boycott decision. Captain Suryakumar Yadav says India's flight is booked and team is ready to play on Feb 15.

"Our mindset is clear -- we will play. Our flight is booked, and we are going. - Suryakumar Yadav"

New Delhi, February 8

Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has expressed his astonishment on Pakistan's decision to not play against India in their much-awaited 15th February fixture in Colombo.

While speaking to reporters on Sunday, former Indian Captain, Sourav Ganguly shared his views on Pakistan's decision to boycott its match against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. He said, "Backing out of a World Cup for what. They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised of Pakistan backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important."

Pakistan had earlier announced a boycott of its fixture against India in support of Bangladesh's decision not to travel to India for the tournament.

Before the start of the tournament, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had made it clear that the Indian team was fully prepared to go ahead with their much-anticipated World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, which is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

Speaking during the Captains' Media Briefing in Colombo on Thursday, Suryakumar stressed that India's stance remains unchanged ahead of the Group A fixture against Pakistan scheduled for February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

"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," Suryakumar said, according to ICC. "We played Asia Cup (2025), we played them (Pakistan) at a neutral venue. We are ready and going to Colombo. We have been told we have a game on 15th Feb."

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, with India opening their campaign against the USA on February 7 before facing their second group match on February 12.

The defending champions, Team India, are slotted in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, the USA, and arch-rivals Pakistan.

India squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026: 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, Rinku Singh.

Pakistan squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, this is disappointing. The India-Pakistan match is the highlight of any tournament. It feels like they are letting down their own fans and the spirit of the sport.
A
Ananya R
Honestly, good riddance. We get two points without breaking a sweat. But a small part of me will miss the thrill. Our team's attitude is perfect – focused on what we can control. Jai Hind!
V
Vikram M
Their decision lacks logic. They are already playing in Sri Lanka for the tournament. Boycotting one match makes no sporting sense. It just shows where their priorities lie, and it's not with cricket.
K
Karthik V
With respect to Ganguly sir, I'm not surprised at all. This has become a pattern. Our team should just move on and concentrate on winning the cup again. We have a strong squad!
P
Priya S
It's their loss. Think of all the revenue and viewership they are giving up. The world wants to see this clash. Our boys are professionals, they'll take the points and smile. 😊

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50