The build-up to the tournament was overshadowed by Bangladesh being dropped from the competition after refusing to travel to India due to security reasons. The situation briefly escalated further when Pakistan indicated it could also consider withdrawing from the tournament, although those fears have subsided in recent days as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced its squad for the World Cup.
Sri Lankan Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake said the board has taken a conscious decision not to get involved in regional disputes.
“In these disputes between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, we remain neutral; these are all friendly countries,” Dissanayake told AFP in Colombo.
He added that Sri Lanka would be open to hosting future tournaments or matches involving any of the countries if approached.
Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India came after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from the IPL by the BCCI, citing ‘recent developments’ as the reason. The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Bangladesh’s request for alternative arrangements and subsequently removed them from the tournament, naming Scotland as their replacement.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will play all its matches in Sri Lanka under an agreement with the ICC that runs until 2027. The arrangement was introduced after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy last year.
Sri Lanka is expected to host 20 of the tournament’s 55 matches, including six Super Eight matches, with the most high-profile match being the India-Pakistan Group A match on February 15 in Colombo.
As it prepares for the World Cup, Sri Lanka has also upgraded its infrastructure, including the installation of new floodlights at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC). Safety measures have also been tightened, with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage highlighting the importance of the large fixture. He said the India-Pakistan match had been given “highest priority” and authorities were paying “special attention to the India-Pakistan games” ahead of the tournament.
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