T20 WC: PCB to reconsider India match boycott after Sri Lanka's request
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Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to consult the government once again after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) urged it to reconsider Pakistan’s boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
The Pakistan government has permitted the national team to participate in the T20 World Cup but has barred it from playing India, despite the fixture being the tournament’s biggest commercial draw for the International Cricket Council and broadcasters.
Following this decision, Sri Lanka Cricket sent an email to the PCB, warning that the absence of the high-profile India–Pakistan clash would lead to significant financial losses for SLC and damage both the tournament’s image and the organisation in Sri Lanka, which is jointly hosting the event with India.
Pakistan are scheduled to play all their matches in Colombo and Pallekele, beginning with their opening fixture against the Netherlands on Saturday.
A source familiar with the developments said the PCB could not ignore the request, citing the long-standing diplomatic and cricketing ties between the two countries.
“Pakistan has always shared very close and friendly relations with Sri Lanka at both the government and cricketing levels, so the communication from their board cannot simply be brushed aside,” the source said.
The source added that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was directly contacted by SLC President Shammi Silva, who reminded him that Sri Lanka was counting on Pakistan’s support, as the absence of matches involving both India and Pakistan would result in substantial revenue losses from gate receipts, hospitality sales and related earnings.
Naqvi reportedly assured Silva that he would raise the matter with the Pakistan government and respond after consultations.
The source dismissed media reports claiming that Pakistan had already rejected Sri Lanka’s request, stating they were inaccurate.
“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not even been in the country since yesterday and is expected to return today. He will place the email before the Prime Minister regarding ending the boycott of the India match, after which a decision is likely to be taken by Monday,” the source said.
The source also recalled that as recently as November last year, the Sri Lankan government had firmly supported Pakistan when some Sri Lankan players sought to return home midway through a tour of Pakistan over security concerns.
“Both the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and the government directed the players to complete the white-ball tour,” the source added.
With PTI inputs