In a transfer that has despatched shockwaves via the cricketing world, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has formally urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to rethink its controversial determination to boycott the high-stakes India vs. Pakistan fixture on the T20 World Cup 2026. The match, a crown jewel of the event, is scheduled for February 15 on the iconic R. Premadasa Worldwide Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
The standoff started after the Pakistani authorities introduced that whereas their workforce would take part within the event, they’d not take the sector in opposition to India. This determination is broadly considered as a present of solidarity with Bangladesh, who had been just lately changed within the event by Scotland after refusing to journey to India on account of safety considerations.
SLC cites 2009 terror assault in letter to PCB over India match boycott
In a poignant two-page letter, SLC President Shammi Silva reminded the PCB of the “spirit of reciprocity” that has lengthy outlined their relationship. The letter particularly invoked the harrowing 2009 terror assault in Lahore, the place the Sri Lankan workforce bus was ambushed by gunmen. Six gamers had been wounded, and the incident plunged Pakistan into almost a decade of sporting isolation.
Regardless of the bodily and psychological scars of that day—a few of which SLC notes gamers carry to at the present time—Sri Lanka was the primary main nation to return to Pakistan in 2019 to revive Check cricket. The letter emphasizes that Sri Lanka stood by Pakistan throughout “exceptionally difficult and delicate circumstances,” even when different nations had been hesitant to tour. By recalling this historical past, SLC is making an emotional plea for Pakistan to honour its dedication to the sport and to a neighbour that has constantly provided unwavering help.
Additionally READ: ‘We are ready to play…’: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Boycott Stance
Financial fallout and the ghost of cancellations
Past the historic ties, the SLC highlighted the catastrophic monetary and logistical penalties of a boycott. The India-Pakistan conflict isn’t just a recreation; it’s an financial engine. Tickets for the Colombo fixture have already been offered out, recording exceptionally robust demand that displays the unprecedented public curiosity.
The native financial system is already feeling the tremors. Stories from Newswire point out a wave of resort reserving cancellations throughout Colombo as followers from throughout the globe rethink their journey plans. SLC warned that the absence of this marquee fixture would result in:
- Large income loss: Estimates counsel the event may face a success of as much as $250 million in business worth.
- Tourism affect: A big drop in anticipated worldwide arrivals, affecting hospitality and native companies.
- Reputational threat: Potential long-term harm to Sri Lanka’s capability to host international occasions if the schedule is disrupted by political boycotts.
Because the ICC screens the scenario intently, the cricketing group stays in a state of flux. Whereas India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed his workforce is able to play in Colombo, Pakistan’s skipper Salman Agha has said the workforce will comply with authorities directives. The world now waits to see if the PCB will prioritize the spirit of sportsmanship or stand agency on its political boycott.
Additionally READ: Shehbaz Sharif breaks silence on why Pakistan won’t face India in T20 World Cup 2026
