Colombo: Co-hosts of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka have expressed serious concern over Pakistan’s reported decision to boycott the high-profile match against India. In a strongly worded move, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has sent a two-page letter to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), warning that such a decision could cause massive financial damage and harm Sri Lanka’s international reputation.
The letter not only highlights the economic and tourism losses Sri Lanka could face, but also recalls the long-standing cricketing relationship between the two nations — including Sri Lanka’s support for Pakistan during its most difficult cricketing years.
Sri Lanka Raises Alarm Over Financial and Tourism Loss
According to reports, Sri Lanka Cricket stated that the cancellation of the India-Pakistan match would have a direct and severe impact on the country’s economy. The board emphasized that Sri Lanka has already completed all security and operational preparations, and backing out now would destroy months of planning.
SLC also mentioned that the mere rumours of the match being cancelled have already started hurting tourism in Colombo, with hotels witnessing a sudden rise in booking cancellations.
The board noted that tickets for the match have already been sold out, and fans from across the world were expected to travel to Sri Lanka for the blockbuster encounter.
2009 Lahore Terror Attack Mentioned in the Letter
In a powerful reminder, Sri Lanka referred to the tragic 2009 Lahore terror attack, when the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked in Pakistan, leaving several players and officials injured.
The letter reportedly stated that the scars of that incident remain fresh even today. Yet, despite that horrific experience, Sri Lanka continued to stand by Pakistan at a time when other international teams refused to tour the country due to security concerns.
Sri Lanka Reminds Pakistan of Historic Support
Sri Lanka also reminded PCB that when Pakistan struggled to host international cricket, it was Sri Lanka that stepped forward to help revive the game there.
The letter highlighted that Sri Lanka became the first team to play a Test match in Pakistan in 2019, ending nearly a decade-long drought of Test cricket in the country.
Sri Lanka’s message was clear: even when it was risky, they supported Pakistan, and now Pakistan must show the same sportsmanship.
“Spirit of Reciprocity” Demand from SLC
Sri Lanka Cricket urged Pakistan to respect the “spirit of reciprocity,” stating that friendship and cooperation between cricketing nations must be mutual.
SLC insisted that Sri Lanka has offered complete neutrality and assured the highest level of security for all teams, including Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan should not withdraw from the match, especially when millions of fans and the reputation of the tournament are at stake.
PCB Under Pressure Amid Political and Economic Crisis
Sri Lankan reports also suggest that Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan government are facing internal pressure, including political, economic, and ideological factors, which may have influenced the decision.
However, Sri Lanka appealed to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan authorities to reconsider, keeping in mind the larger interest of cricket and global fans.
Now the Ball is in Pakistan’s Court
Sri Lanka has made its stand clear: the cancellation of such a major fixture would not only be a blow to the tournament but also a betrayal of a friendship built over decades.
With the T20 World Cup about to begin, all eyes are now on Pakistan — whether they will accept Sri Lanka’s appeal or stick to their boycott decision.
The cricketing world waits, but Sri Lanka’s message is loud and emotional: when Pakistan needed help, Sri Lanka stood by them — now it expects the same in return.
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