The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has appealed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its boycott of the upcoming T20 World Cup match against India, scheduled for February 15, 2026. SLC President Shammi Silva expressed concerns over potential financial losses and broader economic impacts related to the event.
Photo : TN Sports Desk
Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has reportedly written to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging them to reconsider their decision to boycott the high-voltage India clash in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Sunday, February 15, 2026. It is learnt that the Sri Lanka Cricket President, Shammi Silva, reached out to PCB through a letter, stating that the board has been informed through several media reports about Pakistan’s selective participation in the marquee event, a decision that will directly impact the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and may have far reaching consequences, including huge financial losses, and a broader economic fallout.
The letter, as reported by newswire.lk, also went on to remind Pakistan that Sri Lanka didn’t hesitate to tour their country under “challenging and sensitive circumstances, including periods marked by serious security incidents, when other cricketing nations were hesitant to do so.” It further went on to highlight their long-standing relationship built on the foundations of mutual respect, and expected “the same spirit of reciprocity to prevail,” adding that security, neutrality, and professionalism will be of the highest standard.
An India vs Pakistan match is valued at approximately USD 250 million, and Sri Lanka, having made all the arrangements, including ticket sales and hotel booking, was expecting a huge tourism boost during that period, but that seems to have taken a significant hit after Pakistan decided to boycott the much-anticipated clash against India. Sources close to the development suggest that ever since the news broke out, there has been a significant rise in hotel cancellations, directly impacting the tourism industry.
According to a report by newswire.lk, the Sri Lankan board and the government understand the widespread 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.”
The Sri Lankan Cricket Board concluded by stating that it expects Pakistan to keep in mind the stakeholders, millions of cricket fans worldwide, and the sanctity of the tournament, and requested the PCB to participate in all the matches in the T20 World Cup in Colombo. It also took into account the “unprecedented public interest and major commercial expectations” out of the India vs Pakistan match that saw a strong demand for tickets, all of which were subsequently sold out.
