Sri Lankan President Personally Contacts PM Shehbaz Sharif – Requests Pakistan Play India Match
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday making a direct diplomatic push for Pakistan to reconsider its decision to boycott the February 15 match against India at the T20 World Cup 2026. This high-level intervention adds massive pressure on Pakistan’s government as the tournament continues in Sri Lanka.
The phone call represents Sri Lanka’s most significant diplomatic effort yet to save the marquee India-Pakistan clash scheduled for Colombo. With billions of rupees in tourism revenue and broadcasting income at stake, President Dissanayake personally extended an invitation for the match to proceed on Sri Lankan soil.
What Sri Lankan President Requested
| Request Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Who Made the Call | President Anura Kumara Dissanayake |
| Who Received | PM Shehbaz Sharif |
| Date | February 9, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Main Request | Pakistan to play India match on Feb 15 |
| Reason Cited | Financial losses & tourism impact |
| Historical Context | Pakistan supported Sri Lanka during terrorism crisis |
President Dissanayake formally extended an invitation for the marquee clash to be hosted on Sri Lankan soil and recalled the strong support Pakistan provided to Sri Lankan cricket by continuing bilateral tours during the island nation’s challenging period with terrorism highlighting deep historical ties between both countries.
Why Sri Lanka is Desperately Pushing Pakistan
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the government have multiple critical reasons for this diplomatic intervention:
Financial Catastrophe Looming
Sri Lanka Cricket told the Pakistan Cricket Board that a boycott would result in a financial hit and also hurt the island’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the 2022 economic meltdown The economic stakes are enormous for the cash-strapped nation.
The India-Pakistan match generates approximately $250 million in broadcasting revenue alone. Sri Lanka’s share from hosting this fixture would provide crucial income for their recovering economy.
Tourism Industry Impact
Hotel bookings have already taken a hit, and it is expected that the country will struggle to meet the occupancy projections during the marquee event. Thousands of hotel rooms booked specifically for the India-Pakistan match face cancellation if the boycott proceeds.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s Official Statement
“Any non-participation will have wide-ranging implications, including substantial financial exposure for SLC and the potential loss of anticipated tourism inflows” the board stated in their formal communication to PCB.
They further pleaded: “We urge you to take into account the exceptional circumstances, the enduring relationship between our two boards, and the broader interests of the game of cricket”
PM Shehbaz’s Response to Sri Lankan President
Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly acknowledged the sentiments and the historic solidarity expressed by the Sri Lankan leader. He reciprocated by mentioning Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for Pakistan during difficult phases, including their commitment to touring Pakistan when other teams hesitated.
However, no immediate commitment was made to reverse the boycott decision. The tournament schedule shows Pakistan must decide within days as the February 15 match approaches rapidly.
Pakistan’s Current Boycott Stance
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly confirmed Pakistan will not take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo, stating the move as a political stand taken in solidarity with Bangladesh.
Official Government Position:
“We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India. There should be no politics in sports”PM Shehbaz told his federal cabinet.
“We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision” the Prime Minister emphasized.
The Bangladesh Solidarity Factor
Pakistan’s boycott stems from Bangladesh’s removal from the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh were replaced in the world event after their government refused to let the team travel to India, citing security concerns and wanting Bangladesh to play their games instead in Sri Lanka Outlook India.
The ICC Board voted 14-2 in favor of replacing Bangladesh with Scotland rather than rescheduling their games in Sri Lanka – the PCB were one of the two votes against the decision, along with the BCB.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called this “double standards,” pointing out India was accommodated with neutral venues for Champions Trophy 2025 when they refused to visit Pakistan, but Bangladesh wasn’t granted similar treatment.
Historical Pakistan-Sri Lanka Cricket Relations
Silva walked down memory lane and reminded PCB how Sri Lanka had toured Pakistan even in difficult circumstances Inside Sport India. This historical solidarity now forms the basis of Sri Lanka’s request for reciprocal support.
| Historical Support | Details |
|---|---|
| Pakistan’s support | Toured Sri Lanka during terrorism crisis |
| Sri Lanka’s support | Toured Pakistan when others refused |
| Current situation | Sri Lanka requests Pakistan’s support |
| What’s at stake | Billions in revenue, tournament integrity |
What Happens Next?
Immediate Timeline:
- February 9: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi scheduled to meet PM Shehbaz
- February 15: India vs Pakistan match scheduled in Colombo
- Decision Deadline: Within 24-48 hours for final call
Possible Outcomes:
- Pakistan Reverses Boycott: Plays the match, tournament proceeds normally
- Pakistan Maintains Boycott: Forfeits 2 points in Group A, faces ICC sanctions
- Last-Minute Compromise: Some negotiated settlement emerges
What’s Being Said
Pakistan Captain’s Position:
“The India game is not in our control. It was the government’s decision and if we have to play them in the semi-final or the final, we will go back to them and act on their advice” said captain Salman Ali Agha.
PCB’s Silence:
Interestingly, despite the government’s public announcement, the PCB has not officially informed the ICC of its decision to boycott the India match. As a result, the fixture technically remains on the schedule.
PCB sources defended this: “Since it’s a government decision and conveyed through an official platform, there is no need to write to the ICC. Did India ever submit a government letter when they didn’t travel to Pakistan?”
Financial Stakes for All Parties
For Sri Lanka:
- Lost tourism revenue: $50-100 million
- Broadcasting share losses: $30-50 million
- Hotel cancellations: Thousands of rooms
- Long-term reputation damage as tournament host
For ICC:
- India-Pakistan matches are valued at roughly $250 million (approx. INR 2230 crore)
- Broadcaster compensation issues
- Sponsor relationship damage
- Future tournament hosting concerns
For Pakistan:
- 2 points forfeited in Group D
- Potential ICC sanctions and fines
- Legal consequences under Members Participation Agreement
- Reputation as unreliable tournament participant
Expert Analysis
Cricket analysts believe President Dissanayake’s personal intervention shows the desperation level in Sri Lanka. As a nation still recovering from economic crisis, losing the India-Pakistan match revenue would be devastating.
However, Pakistan faces a complex political calculation. Reversing the boycott after publicly announcing solidarity with Bangladesh would appear weak domestically but maintains cricket relations internationally.
The next 48 hours will prove crucial as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi consults with PM Shehbaz Sharif following the Sri Lankan President’s direct diplomatic push.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Did Sri Lankan President personally contact PM Shehbaz Sharif?
Yes, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a telephone conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif on February 9, 2026 requesting Pakistan play the India match.
Q2: Why is Sri Lanka so concerned about the Pakistan boycott?
The boycott would cause massive financial losses including tourism revenue, hotel cancellations, and broadcasting income for Sri Lanka’s recovering economy.
Q3: What did the Sri Lankan President remind Pakistan about?
He recalled how Pakistan continued touring Sri Lanka during their terrorism crisis, highlighting the historical solidarity between both nations.
Q4: Has Pakistan reversed its boycott decision yet?
No official reversal announced yet. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is meeting PM Shehbaz Sharif to make the final decision.
Q5: When is the India vs Pakistan match scheduled?
The match is scheduled for February 15, 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka as part of Group D fixtures.
Q6: What are the financial stakes of this match?
The India-Pakistan match generates approximately $250 million in broadcasting revenue alone, with additional tourism and commercial income for the host nation.
