Colombo, Feb 6: Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider reports of a possible boycott of the India vs Pakistan match scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, warning of serious commercial and economic repercussions, Sri Lanka’s Newswire reported.
In the letter, SLC said it had learned through media reports that while Pakistan is expected to take part in the tournament, a decision may have been taken to skip the India vs Pakistan fixture scheduled for February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
According to the letter, ticket sales for matches in Sri Lanka, particularly the India vs Pakistan clash, have been completed and witnessed exceptionally strong demand, reflecting unprecedented public interest and significant commercial expectations.
SLC cautioned that non-participation in such a marquee fixture would have wide-ranging consequences, including substantial financial exposure, loss of anticipated tourism inflows, and broader economic repercussions.
Newswire reported that Sri Lanka’s tourism and hotel sector has already suffered setbacks following reports of Pakistan’s decision not to play the February 15 match, with several Colombo-based hotels facing booking cancellations.
The correspondence also highlighted that Sri Lanka Cricket, in coordination with the Sri Lankan government, remains mindful of the broader impact of a boycott, which would affect not only SLC but also numerous stakeholders involved in the successful staging of the tournament.
Recalling past cooperation between the two boards, Sri Lanka Cricket said its national team has toured Pakistan on several occasions under difficult and sensitive circumstances, including periods following serious security incidents when other teams were reluctant to visit. It said those tours were undertaken in good faith and in the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect.
SLC said it therefore expects the same spirit of reciprocity, noting that Sri Lanka has provided full assurances regarding security, neutrality, and professionalism for all matches hosted in the country.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka Cricket respectfully urged the PCB to reconsider any decision to boycott or selectively abstain from the India vs Pakistan match and called on Pakistan to participate in all scheduled matches in Sri Lanka for the benefit of the tournament, its stakeholders, and millions of cricket fans worldwide.
Sri Lanka urges Pakistan to avoid India T20 match boycott
