Sri Lanka Urges Pakistan to Reconsider India World Cup Match Boycott

ISLAMABAD: The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has formally asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider Pakistan’s decision to boycott its marquee ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India, citing major financial and sporting repercussions.

According to Sri Lankan media reports, the SLC wrote to the PCB, emphasizing that February 15’s match in Colombo was a central part of the tournament’s commercial and logistical planning. The board stated that cancellation would lead to significant financial losses and a sharp drop in expected tourism revenue.

The Pakistan-India fixture, widely regarded as the tournament’s biggest draw, had already seen tickets go on sale, with full hosting arrangements completed. Sri Lankan media reported that hotel bookings by traveling fans had begun to be canceled following Pakistan’s boycott announcement, delivering an early blow to the tourism sector.

In its letter, the Sri Lanka Cricket stressed its long-standing relationship with the PCB, noting it had supported Pakistani cricket during difficult periods in the past. The board urged Pakistan to consider “extraordinary circumstances,” historic ties between the two boards, and broader interests of international cricket.

The SLC also assured Pakistan of “the highest level of security” for all matches, a key concern whenever high-profile fixtures were staged in the region.

Sources indicated that other cricket boards had privately urged Pakistan to reconsider the boycott, amid growing concerns over the wider impact on tournament integrity and scheduling.

Pakistan’s stance followed a decision by the federal government not to allow its national team to play India, adding uncertainty to the tournament’s group-stage dynamics. Indian media earlier reported that the ICC was considering behind-the-scenes efforts to persuade Pakistan to soften its position.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup began on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan scheduled to play all their group matches in Colombo. The Pakistan-India clash had been billed as the centerpiece of the group stage. Earlier, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the Indian men’s T20 side would travel to Sri Lanka for its World Cup fixture against Pakistan, despite Pakistan’s announcement that it would boycott the match.