The 2026 T20 World Cup is underway with the first match, Pakistan vs the Netherlands. However, clouds loom over the India vs Pakistan match, after the Pakistan government ordered that the Men in Green will be participating in the marquee event, but will boycott the match against their arch-rivals India, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) supporting the decision.
The decision came, showcasing solidarity towards Bangladesh, which was removed after their stance to change venues, citing security reasons, was rejected by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and was replaced by Scotland. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not submitted any official letter to the ICC over their selective participation.
Pakistan Cricket Board to reconsider
After all the drama, the Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly to discuss with their national government in order to reconsider their participation decision against India. As Sri Lanka Cricket has sent an official email to the PCB, mentioning that if the India vs Pakistan match, which is scheduled on 15th February at the R Premedasa Stadium, Colombo, does not take place, Sri Lanka Cricket has to bear a loss.
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This has damaged the tournament’s structure and reputation in the island nation that is holding the showcase alongside India. As per the recent developments, as per the source, Naqvi reassured Shammi Silva that he would check with the government and get back to him.
A source aware of the developments said on Saturday (as quoted by PTI), “Obviously Pakistan has always enjoyed very close and friendly ties with Sri Lanka at the government-to-government and cricket level. So the mail from their Board can’t be ignored just like that.”
Mohsin Naqvi to discuss with the Pakistan Government
The source said that the reports that PCB rejected SLC’s request were not true. The source said, “Mohsin Naqvi has been contacted directly by the Sri Lankan Board President Shammi Silva and been reminded that at this time Sri Lanka need Pakistan to step up for them as without Pakistan and India matches, the Sri Lankan Board would stand to lose extra revenues from gate money, hospitality sales etc.”
The source pointed out that when some of its players requested to go home from a tour of Pakistan due to security concerns, the Sri Lankan government had solidly supported Pakistan as recently as last November. This has been one of the reasons for PCB’s reconsideration.
Pakistan Cricket Board and Sri Lanka have good relations
The source concluded saying, “PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not even been in the country since yesterday and is due back today. He will bring the email to the notice of the Prime Minister on ending the boycott of the India match and then a decision would be made on the matter by Monday. Not only the Sri Lankan Board but the government directed the players to complete the white ball tour.”
India vs Pakistan is the most-watched game in any major ICC event. The ICC and the hosts generate double the revenue from this game than from any other matches. So there will be a huge loss if the match does not take place. Pakistan Cricket Board might have to face serious sanctions and fines if they continue to remain on their stance not to play against India.
