India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Dispute: Sri Lanka Faces Multi-Crore Losses

• The ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, faces controversy before its February 7 start.
• Pakistan has boycotted its Group A league match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
• Sri Lanka anticipates significant financial losses from ticket refunds, cancelled travel, and reduced tourism revenue due to the high-profile match's cancellation.
• Pakistan boycotted the match in solidarity with Bangladesh, whose request to shift its matches from India due to alleged safety concerns was rejected by the ICC.
• Bangladesh's demand for a venue change was based on unsubstantiated safety claims, leading to their withdrawal and Scotland's inclusion in the tournament.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's boycott of the India match in the T20 World Cup 2026 will cost Sri Lanka millions.