T20 World Cup 2026: “Can’t overturn government’s decision”- PCB turns down Sri Lanka’s request to play India in Colombo- Report

India and Pakistan are set to clash on February 15 in Colombo in T20 World Cup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly turned down the request by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to reconsider their decision to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 match that is to be played on February 15 in Colombo.

Pakistan, in solidarity with Bangladesh, which were removed from the T20 World Cup 2026 by ICC, for refusing to travel to India for their matches, announced that they’ll not play India in their marquee match of the tournament. This is despite several warnings by ICC, which also reminded them of the financial repercussions of boycotting the game.

Pakistan government had announced that Pakistan will not play India in their T20 World Cup 2026 game in Colombo on Feb 15, and Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif also confirmed the same.

However, Sri Lanka Cricket wrote a letter to the PCB to reconsider their decision. Sri Lanka Cricket highlighted its eagerness to host the highly anticipated India-Pakistan fight, stating that all "commercial, operational, logistical, and security arrangements" for the game had already been agreed.

This included hospitality planning and the sale of match tickets. SLC further highlighted the high demand for tickets, emphasizing unprecedented public attention and considerable commercial expectations.

Sri Lanka warned the PCB of catastrophic financial ramifications if Pakistan did not participate, citing the probable loss of expected tourism influx and broader economic fallout.

However, SLC’s plea fell on deaf ears at the PCB, as reports have confirmed that Pakistan has decided to remain rigid in its stance. The update from the Pakistan Cricket Board isn’t promising, as its hands remain tied, as the decision was made by the Pakistan government.

“Yes, we have received the letter, but we can't overturn the government's decision. The call is firmly with the government,” PCB sources confirmed to The Hindustan Times.

An India-Pakistan match at an ICC event could be canceled for the first time in history, despite the widespread belief among the public and former cricket players that it's only a matter of time until the Pakistani government makes a U-turn. The World Cup starts in 24 hours, and nothing encouraging appears to have happened.