The Pakistan government has reversed its stance on boycotting the upcoming cricket match against India on February 15 in Colombo, a move that has averted a potential revenue loss estimated at around $174 million for the International Cricket Council (ICC), as per a report by Indian Express.
This financial impact would have encompassed losses from broadcasters, gate receipts, and sponsorships. An insider revealed that the cumulative economic repercussions of a boycott were projected to reach approximately $174 million (equivalent to Tk 19,140 crore).
Following extensive discussions involving the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and representatives from various cricket boards, including Bangladesh, the Pakistan government decided to instruct its team to participate in the scheduled game. Initially, Pakistan had contemplated boycotting the match in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was replaced by Scotland in the tournament due to travel apprehensions to India.
The confirmation of the India-Pakistan fixture has also spurred a surge in travel demand, as evidenced by reports citing escalated airfares on the Mumbai-Colombo-Mumbai route.
The official announcement of Pakistan’s decision was made on the social media platform X, where it was disclosed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been briefed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi subsequent to dialogues with the ICC. The government then directed the national team to honor their commitment and play as scheduled on February 15, 2026, in Colombo for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash against India.
