Sri Lanka To PCB: Return 2009 Support by Playing India in T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its decision not to play against India in the T20 World Cup 2026, reminding Islamabad of the support Sri Lanka extended to Pakistan cricket after the 2009 Lahore terror attack. The appeal was made through a detailed two-page letter sent to PCB amid an ongoing standoff involving the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to sources, SLC highlighted its long-standing role in helping Pakistan revive international cricket after the March 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. The letter reportedly emphasized that Sri Lanka had hosted Pakistan’s “home” matches for years when no other nation was willing to do so, calling it a gesture of solidarity during one of Pakistan cricket’s most difficult phases.

The communication comes as uncertainty looms over the India–Pakistan group-stage clash scheduled for February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka is one of the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup, and officials are keen to ensure that the tournament proceeds smoothly without high-profile disruptions that could affect its credibility and commercial value.

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Despite the appeal, the Government of Pakistan has maintained a firm stance. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that the national men’s team will not be granted permission to play against India, effectively backing the PCB’s position. This has intensified discussions within the ICC, which is monitoring the situation closely due to the potential implications for the tournament’s schedule and points structure.

In its letter, Sri Lanka Cricket is understood to have argued that sport should rise above political differences and that Pakistan’s participation would reflect the spirit of international cricket. The reference to the 2009 Lahore attack was framed as a reminder of mutual support within the cricketing community, rather than a political argument.

With the World Cup drawing closer, officials expect further dialogue between the ICC, PCB, and co-host nations. While no resolution has yet emerged, the issue has underscored how geopolitical tensions continue to shape major sporting events, even as organizers push for cooperation in the interest of the game.

Also Read: BCCI Says It Will Abide by ICC Decision on Pak Boycott of India Match