Colombo Awaits Fiery India-Pak Duel

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Colombo
• Feb 14, 2026
• 815

A tense build-up marked the India–Pakistan clash as captains addressed the media in Colombo on Saturday ahead of their T20 World Cup encounter.

At the pre-match press conference, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha responded firmly to questions surrounding the ongoing handshake controversy. “We will respond to this on the field tomorrow,” he said, hinting at a competitive reply through performance rather than words.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav was also asked about the issue. Offering a measured response, he remarked, “Wait for 24 hours, then we'll see,” adding further intrigue ahead of the much-anticipated contest.

The controversy traces back to the Asia Cup, where Indian players, including Suryakumar, refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts. At the time, Suryakumar had stated that the team would not “join forces” with Pakistan, describing the decision as a tribute to Indian citizens killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

The gesture was also widely interpreted as a mark of solidarity with the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor.
With political sensitivities intersecting with sporting rivalry, Sunday’s high-voltage encounter in Colombo now carries added emotional weight.

As both captains suggested, the ultimate response will unfold on the field.