KEY POINTS
- Sri Lanka Cricket will donate all series profits to govt fund.
- Three-match series serves as preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that the upcoming three-match T20I series at home against Pakistan will be dedicated to the nation’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” initiative.
The move is aimed at supporting national recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastating Ditwah Cyclone.
The decision was approved by the SLC Executive Committee, led by President Shammi Silva, as part of the board’s commitment to aiding government-led rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.
Awareness, tourism, and direct donations
The cricket board has pledged to leverage the high-profile series to amplify its support. Throughout the matches, SLC will implement several measures to raise public awareness about the national rebuilding program.
SLC will also actively promote the #VisitSriLanka campaign at match venues, aiming to boost international tourism and showcase the country’s resilience.
In a significant financial commitment, SLC will donate all profits generated from the home series against Pakistan to the federal government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” fund, directly contributing to cyclone-affected communities.
Series schedule and T20 World Cup significance
The much-anticipated T20I series between the two sides is scheduled for January 7, 9, and 11.
It holds substantial sporting importance as a vital preparatory step for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan, placed in Group A, will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in the tournament opener on February 7. Sri Lanka, in Group B, will start their journey a day later against Ireland.
This series marks the first T20 encounter between the two sides since the final of a Pakistan-hosted tri-nation series in November, which also featured Zimbabwe. Pakistan emerged victorious in that final against Sri Lanka.
The upcoming matches promise competitive cricket with an added layer of purpose, as both teams fine-tune their strategies for the global event while supporting a national cause.
