COLOMBO – In a high-stakes appeal aimed at averting a financial and diplomatic disaster, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva has formally urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to rethink its reported decision to boycott the marquee India-Pakistan clash scheduled for February 15, 2026.
The plea, delivered via a detailed two-page letter, comes amid mounting pressure on the island nation’s economy and the global cricket ecosystem.
The “Solidarity” Boycott
The controversy erupted after the Pakistan government issued a directive on February 1, instructing its national team to abstain from the Group A fixture against India at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. Islamabad’s move is reportedly an act of “solidarity” with Bangladesh, who were removed from the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to play matches on Indian soil, citing safety concerns.+1
While Pakistan intends to play the rest of its tournament matches in Sri Lanka, the specific refusal to face India has sent shockwaves through the host nation’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
A Tourism Crisis in the Making
Industry sources report that Colombo hotels, which had projected near-total occupancy for the February 15 weekend, are already facing a “mass wave of cancellations.” The India-Pakistan rivalry is estimated to generate upwards of $250 million in global revenue, a significant portion of which trickles down to host cities through tourism and local commerce.+1
“All commercial, operational, logistical, and security arrangements have been finalized,” the SLC letter stated. “Ticket sales—especially for the India–Pakistan game—witnessed unprecedented demand. A boycott would cause substantial financial exposure and hurt a wide range of stakeholders.”+2
Invoking the Spirit of Reciprocity
Perhaps the most pointed part of Shammi Silva’s letter was the reminder of Sri Lanka’s loyalty to Pakistan during its years of international isolation. SLC highlighted that the Sri Lankan national team toured Pakistan multiple times during “difficult and sensitive security periods” when other major cricketing nations refused to travel.
The letter specifically referenced the 2009 terror attack in Lahore and more recent security incidents, noting that Sri Lanka always chose to play in the spirit of sportsmanship. SLC is now calling for that same “reciprocity,” assuring the PCB of “full security, neutrality, and professionalism” on Sri Lankan soil.+1
The Stand-Off Continues
Despite the plea, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has stated the team will follow government orders, while India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the “Men in Blue” will be on the ground in Colombo on match day as per ICC protocol. If Pakistan fails to appear for the toss, India will likely be awarded a walkover, but the real losers would be the millions of fans and the Sri Lankan economy.