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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has formally urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its controversial decision to boycott the high-stakes India vs. Pakistan fixture at the T20 World Cup 2026. The match, a crown jewel of the tournament, is scheduled for February 15 at the iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
The standoff began after the Pakistani government announced that while their team would participate in the tournament, they would not take the field against India. This decision is widely viewed as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, who were recently replaced in the tournament by Scotland after refusing to travel to India due to security concerns.
SLC cites 2009 terror attack 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 long defined their relationship. The letter specifically invoked the harrowing 2009 terror attack in Lahore, where the Sri Lankan team bus was ambushed by gunmen. Six players were wounded, and the incident plunged Pakistan into nearly a decade of sporting isolation.
Despite the physical and psychological scars of that day—some of which SLC notes players carry to this day—Sri Lanka was the first major nation to return to Pakistan in 2019 to revive Test cricket. The letter emphasizes that Sri Lanka stood by Pakistan during “exceptionally challenging and sensitive circumstances,” even when other nations were hesitant to tour. By recalling this history, SLC is making an emotional plea for Pakistan to honour its commitment to the game and to a neighbour that has consistently offered unwavering support.
Economic fallout and the ghost of cancellations
Beyond the historical ties, the SLC highlighted the catastrophic financial and logistical consequences of a boycott. The India-Pakistan clash is not just a game; it is an economic engine. Tickets for the Colombo fixture have already been sold out, recording exceptionally strong demand that reflects the unprecedented public interest.
The local economy is already feeling the tremors. Reports from Newswire indicate a wave of hotel booking cancellations across Colombo as fans from across the globe reconsider their travel plans. SLC warned that the absence of this marquee fixture would lead to:
- Massive revenue loss: Estimates suggest the tournament could face a hit of up to $250 million in commercial value.
- Tourism impact: A significant drop in anticipated international arrivals, affecting hospitality and local businesses.
- Reputational risk: Potential long-term damage to Sri Lanka’s capacity to host global events if the schedule is disrupted by political boycotts.
As the ICC monitors the situation closely, the cricketing community remains in a state of flux. While India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed his team is ready to play in Colombo, Pakistan’s skipper Salman Agha has stated the team will follow government directives. The world now waits to see if the PCB will prioritize the spirit of sportsmanship or stand firm on its political boycott.
Also READ: Shehbaz Sharif breaks silence on why Pakistan won’t face India in T20 World Cup 2026
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
