Sri Lankan President Phones PM Shehbaz, Urges Pakistan to Play India in Upcoming Match

2026-02-09 - 16:36

ISLAMABAD: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake telephoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday night to discuss regional cricket ties, ARY News reported. The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to ensure Pakistan participates in the scheduled match against India on February 15 in Sri Lanka. He highlighted that Pakistan has historically provided “powerful support” to Sri Lankan cricket, particularly during periods of heightened terrorism in the island nation. President Dissanayake noted that Pakistan has always prioritized its long-standing relations with Sri Lanka, continuing its cricket tours despite past security incidents. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the President’s sentiments, acknowledging that Sri Lanka also stood by Pakistan during difficult times by refusing to cancel tours to the country. He described Sri Lanka’s recent commitment not cancelling its tour of Pakistan as an “unforgettable step.” According to the PM Office, the Prime Minister informed the President that a final decision regarding the Pakistan-India match will be made following formal consultations.