Sri Lanka Pressures Pakistan to Reconsider T20 World Cup Boycott Against India

Sri Lanka’s cricket board asked Pakistan to reconsider its decision to boycott their first-round encounter with arch-rival India in the T20 World Cup co-hosted by the island. The Pakistani Cricket Board had decided not to participate in this match, opting instead to express solidarity with Bangladesh after they were excluded from the tournament for refusing to play matches in India.

Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket since over a decade ago, engaging only at global or regional tournament events.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) highlighted that Pakistan’s boycott would result in significant financial repercussions for SLC. The board also stressed that it could harm Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which continues to recover from the 2022 economic crisis.

“Any non-participation will have far-reaching implications,” SLC stated. “This includes substantial financial exposure for SLC and potential losses in anticipated tourism inflows.” Recalling previous tours of Pakistan to revive international matches, SLC urged Pakistan to consider these exceptional circumstances, its enduring relationship with the board, and the broader interests of cricket.

SLC also noted that if Pakistan were to face India later in the tournament, including in a semi-final or final, they would consult the government. Both teams are set to compete on Saturday; India will play against the United States at home, while Pakistan’s first match is scheduled against the Netherlands in Colombo. If both countries advance, a potential clash with India could occur despite Pakistan’s boycott stance.