Sri Lanka Cricket urges Pakistan to reconsider its India boycott, warning of major financial losses and damage to the sport.
SRI Lanka’s cricket board has formally urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision to boycott a high-profile T20 World Cup match against arch-rival India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board decided not to play its scheduled group-stage match against India in Colombo on February 15. This action is a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh, which was excluded from the tournament after refusing to play its matches in India.
In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket warned that a boycott would result in a substantial financial hit. It would also hurt the island’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from a severe 2022 economic crisis.
READ MORE: India to play Pakistan despite boycott, says captain
“Any non-participation will have wide-ranging implications, including substantial financial exposure for SLC and the potential loss of anticipated tourism inflows,” the board said.
The appeal highlighted the longstanding cricketing relationship between the two nations. Sri Lanka Cricket recalled that it had toured Pakistan to revive international cricket there when other nations stayed away due to security concerns.
“We urge you to take into account the exceptional circumstances, the enduring relationship between our two boards, and the broader interests of the game of cricket,” the board pleaded.
Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for over a decade. They now meet only at global or regional tournament events.
India begins its T20 World Cup campaign on home soil against the United States on Saturday. Pakistan also plays its first match on Saturday, facing the Netherlands in Colombo.
Despite the boycott of the group game, the arch-rivals could still be forced to play each other later in the tournament. They would meet if both teams progress to the knockout stage.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha said on Thursday that his team would consult its government if it faced India in a semi-final or final. – AFP
