03 February,2026 08:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mitchell Marsh (Pic: X/@ICC)
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan has decided to boycott the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals, India. Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) removed Bangladesh from the tournament, following the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) refusal to play their matches in India.
Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh, who faced the Pakistani media after suffering a 0-3 T20I series whitewash against the "Green Shirts", refused to comment on both the controversies. The right-handed batsman said that he is focused on winning the global showpiece.
"I don't have any comment on that at this point. We are going to the World Cup to just focus on what we are doing, we will let that stuff take care of itself. The same goes for my previous answer. We are going to the World Cup to try and win it and we are solely focussed on that. As the Australian team, we trust the people there to keep us safe and that's all I would say," he said.
Further speaking, he admitted that his team struggled against Pakistan's spinners, but said that the Aussies will take learning from the series to the World Cup.
"In isolation, this series, we struggled. But over the last 18 months, we've been one of the best teams in the world and we've played spin really well. So, we'll take the learnings forward to the World Cup. We know we're a very good side in all conditions, so looking forward to the World Cup," said Marsh.
"Some of the guys who haven't experienced these conditions before will take these experiences forward in their careers," added the 34-year-old cricketer.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to kick off from February 7, and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Australia is placed in Group B of the tournament along with teams such as Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
The Aussies will begin their campaign by playing a clash against Ireland on February 11 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. They will then lock horns against Zimbabwe on February 13 at the same venue.
Their third clash of the group stage will be against Sri Lanka on February 16 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Balagolla. The side will conclude its group stage matches by playing a clash against Oman on February 20 at the same venue.
(With PTI Inputs)
