The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly taking the request from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to reconsider boycotting their T20 World Cup match against India to the government. Sources within the PCB have indicated that the board cannot overturn the government's decision regarding the match.

The match, slated for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, has been caught in a geopolitical web. The Pakistan government has reportedly decided to bar its team from playing against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were allegedly removed from the World Cup.

SLC President Shammi Silva has formally communicated the board's concerns to the PCB, highlighting the potential for significant financial losses and a drop in tourism inflows if the match is abandoned. Sri Lanka, as a co-host of the T20 World Cup, has already finalized all arrangements for the matches, including commercial planning, operations, logistics, security, and ticketing. Ticket sales for the Pakistan vs. India match have been exceptionally strong, and the cancellation is already impacting the tourism and hotel sectors in Colombo, with hotel bookings being cancelled.

SLC's letter to the PCB also emphasized the long-standing relationship between the two cricket boards, and reminded the PCB of Sri Lanka's past support when other nations had stayed away from touring Pakistan due to security concerns. Bandula Dissanayake, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary, told The Indian Express that the letter reminded the PCB about Sri Lanka's national team's previous tours to Pakistan, when most other international teams were reluctant to travel because of security-related issues.

Despite these appeals, the PCB seems firm on its stance, stating that it is bound by the government's directive. A PCB source told The Hindustan Times, "Yes, we have received the letter, but we can't overturn the government's decision. The call is firmly with the government".

The situation remains tense, with the potential for significant financial and economic repercussions for Sri Lanka if the match does not proceed. The outcome of the PCB's communication with its government is awaited, as stakeholders in Sri Lanka's tourism and hospitality sectors hope for a resolution that will allow the high-profile match to take place. It is worth noting that Pakistan will play their first match of the tournament against the Netherlands in Colombo on Saturday.