Team India has addressed Pakistan's dramatic reversal regarding their participation in the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. After initial reports suggested a potential boycott, Pakistan has now confirmed their participation, setting the stage for the marquee Group A encounter.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi ahead of India's match against Namibia on February 12, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stated that the team was unfazed by the situation, "First of all, it's great that the game is back on. We never changed our preparation or our thinking that the game wasn't going to happen," ten Doeschate said. "We always had the impression that something would transpire and we would play, so it doesn't really change the way we go about things".

The confirmation from Pakistan followed discussions between the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with the presence of Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam. Ultimately, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the final decision after requests from several ICC member boards, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Emirates Cricket Board. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Prime Minister was informed about the "concessions" that PCB would receive if the government allowed the team to play against India.

Ten Doeschate emphasized the team's focus on cricket, "We try to stay clear of all the politics. We understand the sentiments and the history between the two countries, but for us it's important to focus purely on the cricket," he said. He acknowledged the challenge of playing in Colombo, especially with Pakistan's recent presence in the country, but reiterated the team's unwavering focus.

The about-face from Pakistan comes just eight days after their initial stance, following the ICC's assurance that no sanctions would be imposed on Bangladesh for not touring India for the tournament.

The India-Pakistan match is set to be the third World Cup game for both teams. While acknowledging the historical and political context surrounding the match, the Indian team is determined to approach it with a singular focus. "We'd welcome another opportunity to play against a quality side, and it's good for the team,” ten Doeschate added. The team remains focused on their preparations and is looking forward to the contest in Colombo.