NEW DELHI, India — Sri Lanka Cricket has written to the Pakistan Cricket Board warning of significant financial losses following Pakistan’s decision not to play India in their scheduled ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match in Colombo, reports said Thursday.
The high-profile clash, set for February 15, has been thrown into uncertainty after the Pakistan government declined to allow its team to take part. Sri Lanka Cricket, a co-host of the tournament, said all logistical and operational arrangements for the match had already been completed, leaving it exposed to substantial losses.
In its communication to the PCB, Sri Lanka Cricket said the fallout is already being felt in Colombo, with widespread hotel cancellations affecting the tourism sector. The letter also referenced Sri Lanka’s past support for Pakistan cricket during difficult periods and urged a reconsideration of the decision.
“Massive hotel cancellations have also been reported in Colombo, impacting the tourism sector,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in the letter, according to reports.
A former Pakistan cricketer, however, dismissed the move, saying the issue now lies beyond the PCB’s control.
“What difference would it make if Sri Lanka Cricket writes to the Pakistan Cricket Board? The issue now rests with the International Cricket Council, and the PCB has already been directed by the Government of Pakistan not to play India in Colombo,” the former player said. “Requesting the PCB to play on February 15, citing financial losses, won’t help.”
With the fate of the India–Pakistan match still unclear, Sri Lanka Cricket is also expected to raise the matter with the International Cricket Council. The potential abandonment or forfeiture of the match is likely to have a major impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, particularly in Colombo.
An India–Pakistan fixture is traditionally one of the most anticipated encounters in any global cricket tournament, drawing thousands of traveling fans, media personnel, and sponsors. Hotels in the capital had reported high occupancy levels based on advance bookings for the match, and cancellations are now expected to rise sharply.
Airlines, tour operators, and local businesses that had prepared for an influx of visitors may also face losses if the match does not go ahead. Tourism remains a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s recovering economy, and industry observers warn that prolonged uncertainty could lead to a noticeable economic setback.
Sri Lanka Cricket has indicated that its communication to the PCB is an initial step, as it seeks to address the financial burden created by the potential cancellation of the marquee match. (Source: IANS)
