Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday night. The leaders discussed the upcoming Pakistan-India cricket match scheduled for February 15. President Dissanayake urged the Prime Minister to ensure the national team participates in this high-profile fixture.
The Sri Lankan leader praised Pakistan for its historical support of cricket in his country. He noted that Pakistan often toured the island nation during difficult security periods. This gesture reflects the long-standing and deep-rooted relations between the two South Asian neighbors.
A Legacy of Sporting Support
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the warm sentiments from the Sri Lankan President. He acknowledged that Sri Lanka also showed great loyalty by touring Pakistan in the past. The Prime Minister described these actions as unforgettable steps for regional sports diplomacy.
[Internal link: Regional Sports Diplomacy]
High-Stakes Talks on the Pakistan-India Cricket Match
The PM Office confirmed that a final decision depends on formal government consultations. This follows a high-profile meeting between the PCB Chief and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Officials from the UAE Board also participated virtually to encourage Pakistanβs participation in the Pakistan-India cricket match.
[Internal link: PCB Government Consultations]
Financial and Technical Demands
Sources indicate that Pakistan may seek an increase in its yearly earnings from the ICC. ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja promised to present Pakistanβs unique perspective to the global board. These negotiations are vital for the financial stability of the sport in the region.
Current Government Directives
The Government of Pakistan previously issued a statement via its official social media channels. The directive allowed the team to travel to Sri Lanka for the tournament. However, it specifically barred the team from taking the field against India on February 15.
[Internal link: T20 World Cup 2026 Updates]
Impact on the Tournament
The PCB has not yet sent a formal boycott letter to the global governing body. Fans and officials hope for a resolution that benefits the global cricket ecosystem.
