T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan likely to make u-turn on 'India boycott' stance

Pakistan may be preparing to rethink its stance on not playing India in the T20 World Cup, following a formal appeal from Sri Lanka Cricket highlighting the financial and reputational fallout of scrapping the marquee clash.

Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to approach the government again after Sri Lanka urged it to reconsider the decision to boycott the February 15 India-Pakistan encounter scheduled in Colombo. While Islamabad has cleared Pakistan’s participation in the tournament, it had earlier barred the team from facing India - a move that threatens to significantly dent the tournament’s commercial value.

In its communication to the PCB, Sri Lanka Cricket warned that the absence of the high-profile fixture would lead to major revenue losses through ticket sales, hospitality, and sponsorships, while also impacting the image of the World Cup, which Sri Lanka is co-hosting alongside India.

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A source familiar with the matter said the message from Sri Lanka could not be brushed aside, given the longstanding diplomatic and cricketing relationship between the two nations. The Sri Lankan Board president, Shammi Silva, reportedly spoke directly to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, stressing the need for Pakistan’s support at a crucial time for Sri Lankan cricket.

Naqvi is understood to have assured Silva that the matter would be taken up with the Pakistani government. Contrary to some media reports, the PCB has not formally rejected Sri Lanka’s request. The chairman, who was abroad, is expected to return and place the issue before the Prime Minister, with a final decision likely in the coming days.

The source also recalled Sri Lanka’s backing of Pakistan during a tour last year, when security concerns prompted some Sri Lankan players to consider returning home. Both the Sri Lankan board and government had then insisted the team complete the tour - a gesture now being cited as an example of mutual support between the two cricket boards.