Sri Lanka Cricket Asks Pakistan Cricket Board to Reconsider India Match

Published On: February 6, 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket Asks Pakistan Cricket Board to Reconsider India Match

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has formally approached the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), requesting a review of reports suggesting Pakistan may abstain from the high-profile India–Pakistan match during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The fixture is scheduled for February 15, 2026, at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Commercial and Operational Concerns

SLC said extensive arrangements for World Cup matches in Sri Lanka have already been finalized, including:

Event operations
Security protocols
Logistics
Hospitality
Ticketing

Officials highlighted that ticket demand for the Pakistan vs India match was particularly strong, making it one of the key fixtures of the tournament.

Tourism Sector Impact

According to industry sources, Colombo’s hotel sector has already seen booking cancellations following reports about Pakistan’s possible stance. Hospitality businesses had expected a significant influx of visitors around the match period.

Call for Reciprocity

SLC also referred to its past tours to Pakistan during challenging security periods, describing those decisions as gestures of goodwill and mutual respect. The board expressed hope that the same sporting spirit would guide current decisions.

Security Assurances

Sri Lankan authorities reiterated full assurances regarding security, neutrality, and professional arrangements for all matches hosted in the country.

Awaiting PCB’s Position

SLC urged PCB to ensure participation in all scheduled matches in Sri Lanka, stating that the outcome could influence stakeholders, tourism, and overall tournament planning.