Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva has written to the Pakistan Cricket Board urging it to reconsider reports of a possible non-participation in the India vs Pakistan match scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
In the letter, Sri Lanka Cricket said it had 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 February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka Cricket noted that the country is eagerly anticipating the tournament in its role as a host nation and that all commercial, operational, logistical, and security arrangements for matches assigned to Sri Lanka have already been finalised. This includes hospitality planning and the sale of match tickets.
The letter highlighted that ticket sales for matches in Sri Lanka, particularly the India–Pakistan fixture, have been completed and recorded exceptionally strong demand, reflecting unprecedented public interest and major commercial expectations.
Sri Lanka Cricket warned that any non-participation in a marquee fixture of this nature would have wide-ranging implications, including substantial financial exposure, the loss of anticipated tourism inflows, and broader economic fallout.
Newswire understands that Sri Lanka’s tourism and hotel industry has already taken a significant hit following Pakistan’s reported decision not to play the February 15 match in Colombo, with multiple hotel booking 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 correspondence also pointed out that Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the Government of Sri Lanka, is mindful of the wider impact a boycott could have, affecting not only Sri Lanka Cricket but a broad range of stakeholders involved in ensuring the successful conduct of the tournament.
Recalling past cooperation, Sri Lanka Cricket said the national team has toured Pakistan on several occasions under challenging and sensitive circumstances, including periods marked by serious security incidents, when other cricketing nations were hesitant to do so. It said these decisions were taken in good faith, in the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect between the two boards.
Sri Lanka Cricket said it therefore expects the same spirit of reciprocity to prevail, noting that Sri Lanka has extended full assurances on security, neutrality, and professionalism for all matches hosted in the country.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka Cricket respectfully requested the Pakistan Cricket Board 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. (Newswire)