LAHORE: Sri Lanka has formally requested Pakistan to reconsider its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, citing potential financial and commercial losses, according to international media reports.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has written to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), asking it to review the decision to not play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The Sri Lankan board warned that the cancellation of the high-profile Pakistan–India match could result in significant financial losses for Sri Lanka.
According to the report, SLC stated that the match is not only crucial from a commercial perspective but is also expected to generate substantial revenue through tourism and related activities.
The board urged the PCB to consider the long-standing relations between the two cricket boards, the prevailing extraordinary circumstances, and the broader interests of international cricket.
This development comes after the Government of Pakistan decided to bar the national team from playing against India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the government’s stance during a recent address to the federal cabinet, stating that the decision was taken after careful consideration.
Meanwhile, Indian media reports claim that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has begun behind-the-scenes efforts to resolve the issue.
According to these reports, ICC Vice Chairman Imran Khwaja has been tasked with engaging in talks with the PCB and playing a mediating role to find a solution.
