NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to once again consult its government on Sri Lanka Cricket’s request to reconsider the boycott of the India match in the T20 World Cup scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

The Pakistan government has cleared the PCB to send the national side to the T20 World Cup but has barred it from playing against India, a fixture that is commercially the biggest draw for the ICC and its broadcasters.

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This development prompted Sri Lanka Cricket to write to the PCB, pointing out that the absence of the February 15 marquee clash between the arch-rivals would result in financial losses for the SLC and also damage the organisation and the image of the tournament in the island nation, which is jointly hosting the event with India.

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Pakistan are set to play all their matches in Colombo and Pallekele, beginning with their opening game against the Netherlands on Saturday.

“Obviously Pakistan has always enjoyed very close and friendly ties with Sri Lanka at the government to government and cricket level. So the mail from their Board can’t be ignored just like that,” a source aware of the developments said on Saturday.

“Mohsin Naqvi has been contacted directly by the Sri Lankan Board President Shammi Silva and been reminded that at this time Sri Lanka need Pakistan to step up for them as without Pakistan and India matches, the Sri Lankan Board would stand to lose extra revenues from gate money, hospitality sales etc,” the source added.

Naqvi to Take Matter Up with Government

The source said Naqvi had assured his counterpart, Shammi Silva, that he would consult the government and respond accordingly.

He also clarified that media reports claiming Pakistan had already rejected Sri Lanka’s request were incorrect.

“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not even been in the country since yesterday and is due back today. He will bring the email to the notice of the Prime Minister on ending the boycott of the India match and then a decision would be made on the matter by Monday,” the source said.

The source pointed out that as recently as last November, the Sri Lankan government had stood firmly with Pakistan when some of its players expressed a desire to return home from a tour of Pakistan citing security concerns.

“Not only the Sri Lankan Board but the government directed the players to complete the white ball tour.”

(With PTI Inputs)