India’s Suryakumar shrugs off rain threat to Pakistan T20 World Cup game
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India’s T20 World Cup clash with Pakistan on Sunday remains in doubt due to heavy rain forecasted for matchday, despite Pakistan reversing their earlier decision to boycott the game. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasized that his team is focused solely on preparation and execution, dismissing concerns over the weather and the high stakes of playing against Pakistan. The match was initially boycotted by Pakistan over objections related to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament, but they agreed to play following discussions.
Yadav highlighted the significance of the India vs. Pakistan rivalry, describing it as a “big platform” that transcends routine matches. He reiterated that while history and expectations loom large, the team remains grounded in their preparation. India has won two games so far in the tournament and is confident despite playing on neutral territory, having previously competed in Sri Lanka during bilateral series.
Key challenges for India include facing Usman Tariq, Pakistan’s unorthodox spinner, who took three wickets in Pakistan’s recent win over the United States. Yadav acknowledged Tariq as a “out-of-syllabus” challenge but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt, citing their practice with similar bowlers. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha expressed hope that Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who missed the last game due to illness, would return for Sunday’s match.
The match is significant not just as a cricketing event but also politically, given the tensions between India and Pakistan. While weather remains a wildcard, both teams are preparing meticulously to avoid letting external factors overshadow their performance. The outcome could shape the dynamics of Group A in the T20 World Cup and reignite the intense rivalry between these two cricketing giants.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026