Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India would have catastrophic financial consequences, while also reminding the PCB of past cooperation, including Sri Lanka’s tours of Pakistan on several occasions despite challenging and sensitive circumstances.
SLC President Writes Urgent Letter To PCB Over India-Pakistan Match
SLC President Shammi Silva wrote to the PCB on Thursday, requesting them to reconsider their decision to boycott the Group A match against India, scheduled for February 15 at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
The letter emphasized the severe economic fallout that Pakistan’s non-participation would trigger for Sri Lanka.
According to reports from Sri Lankan publication Newswire, the letter highlighted that all “commercial, operational, logistical, and security arrangements for the match” had already been finalized, including hospitality planning and ticket sales.
SLC underlined the strong demand for tickets, reflecting unprecedented public interest and significant commercial expectations surrounding the marquee India-Pakistan clash.
Pakistan T20 World Cup Boycott: Economic Impact and Tourism Loss
The potential boycott has already caused significant damage to Sri Lanka’s economy. Amid ongoing speculation about Pakistan’s participation, Colombo has been hit by multiple hotel cancellations.
Hotels had prepared for a sharp increase in international visitors linked to this high-profile fixture, and the cancellations have directly impacted occupancy projections during the World Cup period.
SLC warned that non-participation would result in the “loss of anticipated tourism inflows and broader economic fallout” for the country, which had invested heavily in preparing for this blockbuster encounter.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Confirms Boycott Decision
While the PCB has yet to officially convey its stance to the ICC, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified during a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday that Pakistani players would not take the field against India as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh, who were removed from the World Cup by the ICC last month.
Sri Lanka Reminds Pakistan of Past Cricket Cooperation
In its detailed letter, SLC reminded the PCB of past cooperation, particularly Sri Lanka’s tours of Pakistan during challenging times.
The most recent instance was in November last year when Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for a white-ball series, shortly after a suicide bombing outside a judicial complex in Islamabad killed 12 people.
This came nearly 16 years after the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by terrorists outside Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in 2009.
