India-Pakistan issues not our concern: USA's Saurabh Netravalkar stays clear of debate
USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar says India–Pakistan tensions have never entered the American dressing room. As the T20 World Cup begins, he insists USA remain focused only on cricket, not politics.
USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar has stayed well clear of the India vs Pakistan debate, insisting the growing tension around the rivalry has never seeped into the American dressing room. The left-armer said the USA camp remains focused only on cricket as the T20 World Cup 2026 begins.
With India–Pakistan clashes increasingly shaped by off-field controversies, the USA squad stands out as a rare mix of Indian- and Pakistani-origin players sharing the same badge. Speaking at the USA pre-match press conference ahead of their World Cup opener against India at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7, Netravalkar said such issues are simply not discussed within the group.
“Yes we have players from all parts of the world. We gel and bond together because of our love for the game. And no I don’t think we have ever discussed the India-Pakistan issues amongst ourselves We are all proud to play for USA,” he said.
With the India clash presenting a chance to make a positive start to their tournament, Netravalkar also spoke about the challenge of facing the hosts in their own backyard, admitting the Americans remain underdogs but not without belief.
“We are probably more unknown to them, but there is quite a bit of videos going around, so I think they would have done their homework We have done our homework as well,” he said, calling it an “even contest” in preparation.
“They are one of the best teams in the world But the format itself has some kind of a luck factor. If the right guys build the right partnership or we have the few key moments go for us then we can give a good fight,” he added.
Will India vs Pakistan match happen in T20 WC 2026?
The backdrop, however, remains complicated. Pakistan announced on Sunday that while they will participate in the tournament, they will boycott their marquee group clash against India on February 15 in Colombo, citing solidarity with Bangladesh after the ICC replaced them with Scotland.
The ICC responded sharply, warning that selective participation undermines the principles of a global tournament. With the India–Pakistan fixture valued as cricket’s biggest commercial draw, its potential absence could cause major losses for broadcasters and sponsors.
As the World Cup begins, India face USA in Mumbai while Pakistan take on the Netherlands in Colombo. Yet uncertainty still hangs over whether the sport’s most watched rivalry will actually play out on February 15.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar has stayed well clear of the India vs Pakistan debate, insisting the growing tension around the rivalry has never seeped into the American dressing room. The left-armer said the USA camp remains focused only on cricket as the T20 World Cup 2026 begins.
With India–Pakistan clashes increasingly shaped by off-field controversies, the USA squad stands out as a rare mix of Indian- and Pakistani-origin players sharing the same badge. Speaking at the USA pre-match press conference ahead of their World Cup opener against India at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7, Netravalkar said such issues are simply not discussed within the group.
“Yes we have players from all parts of the world. We gel and bond together because of our love for the game. And no I don’t think we have ever discussed the India-Pakistan issues amongst ourselves We are all proud to play for USA,” he said.
With the India clash presenting a chance to make a positive start to their tournament, Netravalkar also spoke about the challenge of facing the hosts in their own backyard, admitting the Americans remain underdogs but not without belief.
“We are probably more unknown to them, but there is quite a bit of videos going around, so I think they would have done their homework We have done our homework as well,” he said, calling it an “even contest” in preparation.
“They are one of the best teams in the world But the format itself has some kind of a luck factor. If the right guys build the right partnership or we have the few key moments go for us then we can give a good fight,” he added.
Will India vs Pakistan match happen in T20 WC 2026?
The backdrop, however, remains complicated. Pakistan announced on Sunday that while they will participate in the tournament, they will boycott their marquee group clash against India on February 15 in Colombo, citing solidarity with Bangladesh after the ICC replaced them with Scotland.
The ICC responded sharply, warning that selective participation undermines the principles of a global tournament. With the India–Pakistan fixture valued as cricket’s biggest commercial draw, its potential absence could cause major losses for broadcasters and sponsors.
As the World Cup begins, India face USA in Mumbai while Pakistan take on the Netherlands in Colombo. Yet uncertainty still hangs over whether the sport’s most watched rivalry will actually play out on February 15.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score