New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has made it clear that the Indian team will adhere strictly to International Cricket Council procedures despite Pakistan announcing a boycott of the T20 World Cup match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Sources within the board confirmed that India will travel to Sri Lanka, complete all pre match formalities and wait for the match referee to take a final decision on the status of the game.
Officials stated that the Indian squad will continue its planned routine, including practice sessions, media interactions and arrival at the stadium as per the tournament schedule. The team management has been instructed to treat the fixture like any other World Cup contest and follow every guideline laid down by the governing body.
Pakistan recently declared that its team would not take the field against India, although it received government approval to participate in the rest of the tournament. The announcement was made through an official statement from Islamabad, which offered no specific reason for refusing to play the high profile encounter. The decision has added fresh tension to an event already facing logistical and political challenges.
India enters the competition in strong form after winning a five match series against New Zealand by a commanding margin. Historical records also favor the Indian side in World Cup meetings, with seven victories out of eight encounters against Pakistan in the T20 format. The tournament is set to begin on February 7 with matches being hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
The controversy follows the earlier removal of Bangladesh from the championship after it declined to participate under the published schedule. The council conducted extensive security assessments and concluded that there was no credible threat to the Bangladesh team in India, leading to Scotland being named as a replacement. The decision was taken to protect the integrity of the event and avoid changes that could set problematic precedents.
Cricket administrators are now focused on ensuring that the tournament proceeds without disruption. Fans and broadcasters remain anxious about the fate of the India versus Pakistan clash, regarded as the centerpiece of the World Cup. With only days left before the competition begins, the stability of the event depends on whether a last minute resolution can be achieved through dialogue and adherence to international cricket regulations.
