T20 World Cup: USA's Saurabh Netravalkar says players do not discuss India-Pakistan issues

MUMBAI: Amid political tensions between India and Pakistan, USA fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar said such issues have never been a topic of discussion within the US team, even though many players have roots in the two countries.The India-Pakistan league-stage match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled in Colombo on February 15, is in doubt after Pakistan refused to take part. However, speaking on Friday, a day before USA’s tournament opener against India at the Wankhede Stadium, Netravalkar said the squad remains focused only on representing the United States.“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. I don’t think so at least. We are all proud to play for USA and that's what we focus on,” Netravalkar said.“We are a group of people from multiple countries across the group and what brings us together is the love of the game. We are proud to represent the USA,” he added.For Netravalkar, the match against India will also be a personal milestone.

The left-arm seamer grew up in Mumbai and learned his cricket at the Wankhede. He said playing at the venue would fulfil a long-held ambition.“It feels like a full circle moment for me because I learnt my cricket here. I grew up in Mumbai, and getting an opportunity to play at Wankhede, which has been my dream since childhood as well. So nostalgic, emotional, (and) good to see (it happening). I'm looking forward to my family, friends to be there, and I'll give my best,” said the 34-year-old.Netravalkar said the presence of former Mumbai players in the US squad, including Harmeet Singh and Shubham Ranjane, provides some understanding of Indian conditions, though he acknowledged that the game has changed significantly.“It definitely helps, but frankly speaking, it's been a long time. Like, I last played in India in 2014, 2015, things have changed drastically. The game itself has changed drastically.

It's become so much more aggressive from the better's perspective, so I wouldn't compare it. Yes, the experience helps, but the game is very different,” he said.Netravalkar was part of the US team that beat Pakistan in Dallas a couple of years ago, when he took 2 for 18 in four overs in a seven-wicket win. On Indian pitches, he said the approach would be different, with the focus on damage control.“The focus will more be on minimising the damage, like you're saying (there are) high scoring pitches here. Every ball that we bowl, (it should be) to the field, as long as we bowl to the field, we bowl to our matchups and maximise our chances. Defence might be the best attack on this kind of pitches and hopefully we induce a mistake on a false shot, that's the best we can do as bowlers on these wickets,” he said.