Speaking in an exclusive interview with Geo News, Sri Lankan MP Sajith Brera said that India is adopting an unfair approach by imposing unclear and questionable conditions. He added that the uncertainty surrounding the much-awaited Pakistan–India clash has badly hurt Sri Lanka’s economy, especially tourism.

Brera pointed out that cricket should bring people together, not create economic stress. ‘Fans were eager to watch the Pakistan–India match, but the situation has led to hotel cancellations and lost revenue,’ he said.

Referring to the 1996 Cricket World Cup, Brera recalled that Australia and the West Indies had refused to travel to Sri Lanka at the time. ‘Despite the tense situation back then, Pakistan came to Sri Lanka and played its matches,’ he said. He also remembered how Pakistani fans openly supported Sri Lanka in the World Cup final, calling it a moment of true sportsmanship.

The Sri Lankan lawmaker stressed that politics should stay out of cricket, saying India is allowing political pressure to interfere with the sport. ‘Cricket should be guided by fairness, not fear,’ he remarked.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its decision to boycott a match against India. According to Sri Lankan media reports, SLC has sent a formal letter to PCB, warning that the boycott announcement has already affected Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

The letter stated that a large number of cricket fans have cancelled hotel bookings, leading to significant financial losses. Officials fear that prolonged uncertainty could deal a long-term blow to Sri Lanka’s image as a major host of international cricket.