Team India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has shared his reaction on Pakistan’s decision to reverse its boycott stance. Doschet claimed that Indian cricketers knew that the match would remain on the table as before.
Ahead of India’s next ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match, which is against Namibia in Delhi on February 12, the assistant coach said he had a feeling that despite all the drama off the field, the India vs Pakistan match would go on as scheduled.
Team India is 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 game is back. We never changed our preparation or our thinking that the game wouldn’t happen. We always had the assumption that something would happen and we would play, so it doesn’t really change the way we go about things.”
The former Netherlands international believed that the much-awaited match would benefit the team and welcomed the decision as India will be facing a quality team.
“We got confirmation late last night. We would welcome another opportunity to play against a quality team and it’s good for the team,” he said.
India vs Pakistan match on 15th February
The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match will take place on February 15 at 7 PM IST at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Team India will have to go to Sri Lanka to play the match, which can be challenging for the team.
Ryan ten Doeschate said that facing Pakistan on Sri Lankan soil could be a very challenging task as, unlike Pakistan, the conditions will be new for the Men in Blue. The Pakistan cricket team has been in Sri Lanka for almost a couple of weeks now, and they will definitely become well acquainted with the conditions.
Challenging task for India
“Going to Colombo will be a challenge, especially with Pakistan being there for the last few weeks, but our focus is on bringing our best game there next week,” the coach said.
He also clarified that he has nothing to do with the ongoing politics. He and his team are completely focused on the game.
“We all try to stay away from politics. We understand the sentiments and history between the two countries, but it is important for us to focus solely on cricket,” he said.
Both India and Pakistan have made a positive start to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Pakistan built on the momentum of their win by defeating the Netherlands and India had a win against the United States in their opening matches. Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) softened its boycott stance after a joint meeting with the ICC, UAE and Bangladesh.
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