The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to take guidance from the government once again regarding Sri Lanka Cricket’s request for Pakistan not to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India scheduled back to February 15 at Colombo, sources have told.

Though the national team has been cleared for participation at the T20 World Cup 2022, the team has yet to be granted permission to play India. As the ICC and innumerable host broadcasters maintain that this match is the biggest fixture for commercial development in the entire tournament.

The PCB also spoke to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after the decision, explaining why the non-inclusion of the India-Pakistan match would be a big financial hit. As understood from certain sources, Sri Lanka Cricketers raised concerns about losses that would be incurred from ticket sales, hospitality packages and sponsorships, and also diluting an image of the tournament being played in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan is to play all its group matches in Colombo and Pallekele, starting with a match against the Netherlands on Saturday.

“Pakistan and Sri Lanka have traditionally enjoyed really cordial relations at both government and cricketing levels. The communication from Sri Lanka Cricket cannot simply be brushed aside,” one source said.

The source also stated that the chairman of PCB Mohsin Naqvi had been contacted by the SLC President, Shammi Silva, asking for Pakistan’s support for Sri Lanka in the ongoing tournament. Silva had reportedly stressed that without matches that feature both India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka cricket would suffer huge revenue loss.

According to within sources, Naqvi made no promises to Silva but assured that the matter would be taken up with the government of Pakistan. Other inside sources refuted claims that Pakistan had already rejected Sri Lanka’s request.

“Mohsin Naqvi has been out of the country since yesterday. He is expected to arrive today. Once he arrives, he will have his request of lifting the boycott of the India match put before the Prime Minister. A final decision could be made by Monday,” the source said.

The source also remembered the commitment by Sri Lanka to aid Pakistan in November of last year, as concerns about their security had many players contemplating returning home during the tour.

“The Sri Lankan government backed them up and insisted that they complete the white ball tour at that time,” the source said.