Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its decision to boycott a high-profile ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group match against India, warning of serious financial and economic consequences.
Pakistan’s refusal to play the February 15 fixture in Colombo has raised alarm among organisers, with the match expected to be one of the tournament’s biggest revenue earners through ticket sales, broadcasting and tourism. Hotels across Colombo are already fully booked in anticipation of the marquee clash.
Following an executive committee meeting on Tuesday, SLC decided to formally approach the PCB. A letter was sent on Thursday outlining Sri Lanka’s concerns and urging a rethink.
Sources said SLC fears the cancellation would not only damage the board’s finances but also have wider repercussions for the country’s economy. There are also concerns that broadcasters could withhold payments if the match does not go ahead, potentially affecting ICC revenues and distributions to member boards and associate nations.
In its letter, SLC reminded Pakistan of Sri Lanka’s past support, particularly touring Pakistan at a time when international teams were reluctant to visit following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.
SLC also warned of adverse effects on tourism, including hotel booking cancellations, flight disruptions and complications for logistics and service providers. The board reiterated it is fully prepared to host the sellout match at the R Premadasa Stadium.
India, meanwhile, have confirmed they are ready to proceed as scheduled. T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team’s position remains unchanged.
“Our mindset is clear. We will play. Our flight is booked and we are going,” Suryakumar said during the captains’ media briefing in Colombo on Thursday, as quoted by the ICC. “We have been told we have a game on February 15.”
While acknowledging the complexity of the situation for Pakistan, he stressed that the final decision rests with them.
Pakistan had earlier announced its boycott of the match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the tournament.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 runs from February 7 to March 8. India begin their campaign against the United States on February 7 and are set to play their second group match on February 12.
Source: AP/ NDTV/ UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
