Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appealed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India. According to reports, the SLC sent a formal letter to the PCB, expressing that canceling this major clash between the two arch-rivals could result in significant financial losses. The match is scheduled to take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15 (Sunday).
Despite these efforts by Sri Lanka Cricket, the prospect of an India-Pakistan match in Colombo currently seems quite dim. According to sources linked to the Pakistan Cricket Board, top officials are not in the mood to change their stance on boycotting the match against India.
Final Decision Lies with the Government: PCB
PCB sources told the English newspaper Hindustan Times, 'We have received Sri Lanka Cricket's letter, but we cannot overturn the government's decision. The final decision lies with the government.' Sri Lanka Cricket has warned that if Pakistan does not participate in this match, there will be widespread repercussions, including substantial financial losses for SLC and a drop in potential tourism revenue.
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SLC appealed to the PCB, stating, 'We request you to consider the extraordinary current circumstances, the longstanding relations between our two boards, and the broader interests of cricket. This entire episode emerged following the Pakistan government's decision to prevent the national men's team from taking to the field against India.'
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has begun exploring back-channel talks to persuade Pakistan to change its stance. It is reported that ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja has been tasked with initiating informal discussions on this matter. Representing the Singapore Cricket Association, Khwaja has been given the responsibility to communicate with the PCB to facilitate an agreement for this blockbuster encounter.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif backed the federal government's decision not to play the match against India. Regarding the mega event featuring 20 teams from February 7 to March 8, he stated in a cabinet meeting, 'We have adopted a clear stance regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play matches against India. Politics should not be involved in sports. This decision has been made after thorough deliberation and it is a just decision.'
