India acknowledged the challenge of facing a strong Pakistan team in Colombo during the T20 World Cup, after Islamabad decided to participate in the high-profile match. India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, said the team had maintained its preparation and was focused on performing its best, noting the quick turnaround between their Group A match against Namibia in New Delhi on Thursday and the Sunday clash in Sri Lanka.
Ten Doeschate highlighted that Pakistan had been in Sri Lanka for the past two weeks, giving them local familiarity, and described the fixture as a chance to compete against a “quality side.” India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the team would travel to Colombo regardless of circumstances, with flights already booked.
Sri Lanka, the host nation, welcomed the game, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanking Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for ensuring the fixture proceeded. The match carries significant commercial value, including advertising, broadcast rights, sponsorship, and tourism revenue, while Pakistan would have forfeited two points if they had withdrawn. Both teams will meet on neutral territory as per an International Cricket Council agreement.
