The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly written to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging it to reconsider its decision to boycott the group-stage match against India, citing the heavy financial losses such a move could cause to multiple stakeholders.
The India–Pakistan fixture is widely regarded as the biggest commercial draw in world cricket, attracting massive global viewership and contributing significantly to revenues generated during International Cricket Council tournaments.
Financial and tourism concerns highlighted
According to a report by Press Trust of India (PTI), Sri Lanka Cricket’s executive committee met earlier this week and decided to formally communicate its concerns to the PCB. In the letter, dispatched on Thursday, SLC warned that opting out of the marquee India–Pakistan contest could have far-reaching financial implications.
The correspondence highlighted that a boycott could lead to substantial revenue losses not only for the participating boards, but also for tournament organisers and host nation stakeholders. SLC also flagged the potential adverse impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, including possible cancellations of hotel bookings, flight reservations and disruptions to local logistics and service providers involved in staging the match.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to host the high-profile clash and emphasised that the fixture was expected to be a sellout, drawing a significant influx of overseas and domestic fans. The board reiterated its readiness to stage the match at the R Premadasa Stadium, reaffirming assurances related to logistics, security and overall match operations.
Warning of wider economic fallout
According to Sri Lankan news outlet Newswire, SLC cautioned the PCB that non-participation in a fixture of this magnitude could have wide-ranging consequences beyond immediate cricketing concerns.
The report stated that SLC warned of “substantial financial exposure, loss of anticipated tourism inflows, and broader economic fallout” if the India–Pakistan match does not take place.
“The correspondence also pointed out that Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the Government of Sri Lanka, is mindful of the wider 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 report added.
Reference to Sri Lanka’s past support
In its communication, SLC also reportedly reminded the PCB of the role Sri Lanka played in helping Pakistan cricket emerge from international isolation following the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.
The letter referenced Sri Lanka’s willingness to tour Pakistan on multiple occasions under “challenging and sensitive circumstances”, including periods when other cricketing nations were reluctant to visit due to security concerns.
SLC expressed hope that the same spirit of reciprocity would prevail, noting that Sri Lanka has provided full assurances on security, neutrality and professionalism for all matches hosted in the country.
Captains clarify team positions
Amid the ongoing uncertainty, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said during a media interaction on Thursday that the Indian team would travel to Colombo for the scheduled match against Pakistan.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha, in a separate interaction, stated that his side would act in accordance with directives issued by the government.
Losses could reach USD 250 million
According to estimates cited in reports, the absence of an India–Pakistan contest at the ICC event could result in financial losses of up to USD 250 million, underlining the commercial significance of the fixture and the urgency behind SLC’s appeal.
With commercial, logistical and diplomatic considerations now intersecting, attention remains on whether Pakistan will reconsider its stance in the coming days.
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