Sri Lanka urges Pakistan to rethink India boycott amid financial, sporting concern

ISLAMABAD: The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has formally asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider Pakistan’s decision to boycott their 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 highlighting that the February 15 fixture in Colombo was a central part of the tournament’s commercial and logistical planning. The board said that cancellation of the match 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 said hotel bookings by travelling fans had begun to be cancelled 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 that it had supported Pakistan cricket during difficult periods in the past. The board urged Pakistan to take into account the “extraordinary circumstances”, the historic ties between the two boards and the 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 are staged in the region.

Sources said other cricket boards have also privately urged Pakistan to reconsider, amid growing concern over the wider impact on the tournament’s integrity and scheduling.

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

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins 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 centrepiece of the group stage.

Earlier, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the Indian men’s T20 side will travel to Sri Lanka for their scheduled World Cup fixture against Pakistan, despite Pakistan’announcement that it will boycott the match.