Purpose Over Play: Sri Lanka Cricket to Donate Pakistan T20I Series Profits to Cyclone Relief

By Lions Roar News Sports Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (January 1, 2026) — Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that the upcoming T20I home series against Pakistan will serve as a major fundraising vehicle for the nation’s recovery efforts following the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah.

In a decision finalized by the SLC Executive Committee, the board has pledged to donate all profits generated from the three-match series to the government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund. The initiative aims to support the restoration of infrastructure and livelihoods devastated by the cyclone, which struck the island in late November 2025, claiming over 600 lives and displacing hundreds of thousands.

🏗️ Rebuilding Through Sport

Beyond the direct financial contribution, SLC will use the high-profile series to amplify national recovery messages. The board has confirmed it will actively promote the #VisitSriLanka hashtag throughout the broadcasts to signal to the world that the country remains open for tourism despite the recent disaster.

“This series is about more than just cricket; it’s about our responsibility to the nation,” a spokesperson for SLC stated. “By dedicating these matches to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ initiative, we hope to provide both financial aid and a sense of hope to those affected.”

This move follows a recent direct donation of Rs. 300 million made by SLC to the same fund in December, cementing the board’s role as a leading contributor to the national relief effort.

📅 Match Schedule: All Eyes on Dambulla

To ensure maximum operational efficiency and focus resources, all three matches of the series will be hosted at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS).

The series holds immense sporting significance as well, serving as the final major preparation for both Sri Lanka and Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on February 7, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.