Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow the Pakistan cricket team to play its high-profile T20 World Cup match against India in Sri Lanka, holding a direct telephone conversation with him to make the request.
According to official sources, President Dissanayake requested that the Pakistan-India fixture be hosted in Sri Lanka, positioning the island nation as a neutral and friendly venue.
During the call, the Sri Lankan leader recalled Pakistan’s strong support for Sri Lankan cricket during difficult periods, including after the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, and described it as a gesture that strengthened bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Sri Lanka’s
goodwill and, in turn, referred to the Sri Lankan cricket team’s recent decision not to cancel its tour of Pakistan despite security concerns.
He said the move was deeply appreciated by the Pakistani people and cricket fans and had further reinforced sporting ties between the two countries.
Sharif told the Sri Lankan President that the proposal regarding the Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match would be examined after consultations with relevant authorities.
He requested President Dissanayake to share the final decision once discussions on the matter are concluded.
The conversation comes amid ongoing uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation in the India match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Last week, the Pakistan government issued a statement permitting the national team to take part in the tournament but withholding approval to play against India.
Since then, the International Cricket Council has been engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board, urging it to revisit its position.
Reports indicate that the PCB has agreed to reconsider the decision, subject to certain conditions.
A final call is expected soon, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the issue.
