Consequent to media reports of a possible boycott of the India vs. Pakistan match scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka during the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially written to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) urging it to reconsider its stance.
This was revealed by an informed source of the sport’s local governing body, who wished to remain anonymous.
According to the source, SLC has claimed to have been informed through media reports that while Pakistan is expected to participate in the tournament, a decision may have been taken to abstain from the India vs. Pakistan fixture scheduled for 15 February at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
SLC had stated that the country was eagerly anticipating the tournament in its role as a co-host and that all commercial, operational, logistical, and security arrangements for matches assigned to Sri Lanka had already been finalised, including hospitality planning and the sale of match tickets.
SLC had highlighted that ticket sales for matches in Sri Lanka, particularly the India-Pakistan fixture, had been completed and recorded exceptionally high demand, reflecting feverish public interest and major commercial expectations.
It is also learnt that SLC could be looking at a loss of revenue in the range of $ 25–30 million or more due to Pakistan’s impending boycott of its group fixture against India in Colombo next Sunday (15).
The governing body warned that any boycott in a marquee fixture of this nature would have wide-ranging consequences, including substantial financial exposure, the loss of anticipated tourism inflows, and broader economic fallout.
It is learns that Sri Lanka’s tourism and hotel industry has already taken a significant hit following Pakistan’s reported decision not to honour the upcoming fixture in Colombo, with multiple cancellations affecting several Colombo-based hotels.
According to industry sources, hotels had prepared for a sharp increase in international visitors linked to the high-profile fixture, and the cancellations have directly impacted occupancy projections during the World Cup period.
The communiqué had also pointed out that SLC, together with the Government, was mindful of the wider impact a boycott could have, affecting not only the cricket board, but a wide range of stakeholders involved in ensuring the successful conduct of the tournament as well.
Recalling past cooperation, SLC noted that the national team had toured Pakistan on several occasions under challenging and sensitive circumstances even when other cricketing nations had refused to do so, including periods marked by serious security incidents.
The local governing body further stated that these decisions had been taken in good faith, in the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect between the two boards, and that it therefore expected the same spirit of reciprocity to prevail.
It further assured that Sri Lanka had extended full assurances on security, neutrality, and professionalism for all matches hosted in the country.
Thus, SLC has respectfully requested the PCB to reconsider any decision to boycott or selectively abstain from the India vs. Pakistan match, and urged Pakistan to participate in all scheduled matches in Sri Lanka for the benefit of the tournament, its stakeholders, and millions of cricket fans worldwide.
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