Sri Lanka Cricket’s last-minute effort to rescue the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2026 has failed. The Pakistan Cricket Board, under chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has clearly stated that it will not reverse its decision to boycott the match—saying it cannot go against the Pakistan government’s directive.
The marquee fixture, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, is now on the brink of cancellation, despite intense pressure and concerns raised by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Why Pakistan Is Boycotting the India Match
The Pakistan government recently announced that the team would not play against India at the T20 World Cup. This decision was taken in support of Bangladesh, which pulled out of the tournament citing security concerns in India.
As a result, the PCB has taken a firm stand, making it clear that the matter is political and not a cricketing decision.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s Appeal to Save IND vs PAK Clash
Worried about the massive financial impact, Sri Lanka Cricket wrote an official letter to the PCB requesting them to reconsider.
Key Points Raised by SLC
| Concern Area | Impact Highlighted |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Hotel cancellations, lower tourist arrivals |
| Airlines & Transport | Reduced bookings and revenue |
| Stadium Arrangements | R Premadasa Stadium fully prepared |
| Ticket Sales | Expected full house |
| Broadcasters & Sponsors | Heavy commercial losses |
SLC warned that Colombo was already feeling the effects, with reports of hotel bookings being cancelled and declining interest from international visitors.
PCB Rejects SLC Pressure
Despite the appeal, the PCB has refused to change its position. Board sources confirmed that while the letter was received, the decision cannot be altered.
“We have received the letter, but we can’t overturn the government’s decision. The call is firmly with the government,” PCB sources said.
The PCB also conveyed that Sri Lanka Cricket should respect Pakistan’s stance and avoid pressing the board on what it sees as a political issue.
India–Pakistan Rivalry at Risk
The India–Pakistan rivalry is one of the biggest attractions in world cricket, known for record-breaking viewership and massive revenue.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup schedule continues as planned:
| Match | Date |
|---|---|
| Pakistan vs Netherlands | February 7 |
| Pakistan vs USA | February 10 |
Pakistan enter the tournament in strong form after a recent whitewash against Australia in a bilateral series.
India Ready, Pakistan Absent
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has already confirmed that India will travel to Colombo on February 15, as scheduled.
However, with the T20 World Cup starting in less than 24 hours, the possibility of the India-Pakistan match going ahead looks increasingly unlikely.
Read more: India Cricket Schedule 2026-2027
As things stand, the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB remains adamant, the Pakistan government’s stance is unchanged, and Sri Lanka Cricket’s plea has been ignored. Cricket now faces the real possibility of witnessing a historic India–Pakistan no-show at a World Cup, something never seen before at this level.
The next few days will be crucial—but unless there is a sudden U-turn, fans around the world may miss out on cricket’s biggest rivalry on the world stage.
