NEW DELHI: Amid the standoff between Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the former's demand to move their T20 World Cup matches out of India due to security concerns - a stance backed by Pakistan - Sri Lanka was the one nation that remained largely out of the picture, despite the BCB proposing it as an alternative venue for their fixtures.
After the issue was done and dusted, with the ICC rejecting Bangladesh's demand and replacing them with Scotland in Group C, Sri Lanka finally broke their silence as Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake made it clear that they did not want to get involved in any disputes since they share good relations with all their neighbouring nations.
"In these disputes among India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, we are remaining neutral; all of these are friendly nations," Dissanayake told AFP.
The Sri Lankan official also underlined that the country remains open to hosting international events in the future, should any participating nation seek a neutral venue.
Against the backdrop of strained diplomatic ties, India and Pakistan play their matches at neutral venues. In line with that arrangement, Pakistan will play all their matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, including the much-anticipated clash against India.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has emphasised its commitment to delivering a seamless tournament. Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said the authorities are giving top priority to operational planning, with particular focus on high-profile fixtures such as India versus Pakistan.
The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with the final slated for March 8.
