Three-day talks with SL changed Pakistan decision: Envoy

Pakistan’s decision not to participate in a 2026 ICC T20 World Cup match against India was reversed following three days of diplomatic discussions with Sri Lanka, outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka (retd) Major General Faheem-Ul-Aziz said.

The High Commissioner made these remarks during a meeting with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, ahead of his departure from Sri Lanka after completing his term.

Major General Faheem-Ul-Aziz stated that Sri Lanka’s intervention in resolving the issue was commendable and played a key role in changing Pakistan’s position. He also appreciated the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Minister Vijitha Herath to address several uncertainties surrounding the T20 World Cup.

Minister Herath, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the High Commissioner’s prompt response and cooperation in coordinating diplomatic discussions and telephone conversations over the three-day period that led to the resolution.

The outgoing High Commissioner noted that his tenure in Sri Lanka had been both enjoyable and successful, adding that the support extended by the Foreign Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was invaluable.