Overview:
He pointed out that just last November, the Sri Lankan government strongly supported Pakistan when some of its players expressed concerns over security and wanted to leave their tour of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to discuss with its government after Sri Lanka urged them to reconsider the boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 in Colombo.
The Pakistan government allowed the national team to compete in the T20 World Cup but prohibited them from playing against India, the most commercially significant match for the ICC and its broadcasters.
Sri Lanka Cricket has reached out to the PCB, stating that the cancellation of the high-profile February 15 match between India and Pakistan would lead to financial losses for SLC and harm the tournament’s reputation in Sri Lanka, a co-host of the event alongside India. Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo and Pallekele.
“Pakistan has always maintained strong and friendly relations with Sri Lanka, both at the government and cricketing levels. Therefore, the email from their board cannot be dismissed easily,” a source familiar with the situation stated.
“Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva personally contacted Mohsin Naqvi, stressing that Sri Lanka requires Pakistan’s backing at this moment. Without the Pakistan-India matches, the Sri Lankan Board stands to lose significant revenue from ticket sales, hospitality, and other sources,” the source explained.
The source confirmed that Naqvi assured Shammi Silva he would discuss the matter with the government and provide a response.
“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been out of the country since yesterday and is expected to return today. Upon his arrival, he will had a word with the Prime Minister regarding the India match boycott, and a decision on the matter will be made by Monday,” the source said.
He pointed out that just last November, the Sri Lankan government strongly supported Pakistan when some of its players expressed concerns over security and wanted to leave their tour of Pakistan.
“The directive came not only from Sri Lanka Cricket but also from the government, asking the players to complete the white-ball tour.”