Ahead of India’s next ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match, which is against Namibia on February 12 in Delhi, the assistant coach stated that they felt that the India-Pakistan match would be held as per schedule despite all the drama happening off the field.
Team India was not surprised by Pakistan’s U-turn
Speaking to the media at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, Ryan ten Doeschate said: “First of all, it’s great that the match has started again. We never changed our preparation or our thinking that the match wouldn’t happen. We always had the impression that something would happen and we would play, so it doesn’t really change the way we approach things.”
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The former Netherlands international believed the much-awaited match would benefit the team and he welcomed the decision as India will face a quality squad.
“We got the confirmation late yesterday. We would welcome another opportunity to play against a quality side, and it is good for the team,” he added.
Match between India and Pakistan on February 15
The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match will be held on February 15 at 7:00 PM at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Team India will have to travel to Sri Lanka to play the match which could be a challenge for the team.
Ryan ten Doeschate said that confronting Pakistan on Sri Lankan soil could be a very challenging task as for the Men in Blue the situation will be new, unlike for Pakistan. The Pakistani cricket team has been in Sri Lanka for about a few weeks now and they are certainly getting used to the conditions.
Challenging task for India
“Going to Colombo will be a challenge, especially as Pakistan has been there in recent weeks, but our focus is on bringing our best match next week,” the coach said.
He also made it clear that they have nothing to do with politics. He and his team are purely focused on the game.
“We try to stay away from all politics. We understand the sentiments and history between the two countries, but for us it is important to focus purely on the cricket,” he said.
India and Pakistan, both teams have started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with positive numbers. Pakistan gained their winning momentum by beating the Netherlands, and India recorded a victory over the United States in their respective opening matches. The Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) softened their boycott stance after a joint meeting with the ICC, UAE and Bangladesh.
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