Colombo (Rajeev Sharma): As anticipation builds around the high-voltage India–Pakistan cricket encounter in Colombo, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond the boundary ropes. From upscale nightlife hubs to roadside vendors, sections of Sri Lankan society are witnessing an unexpected surge in business tied to the much-awaited fixture.
In the capital’s chic Park Street Mews district, known for its vibrant evenings, the atmosphere has turned electric. A short drive along Kynsey Mawatha past De Soysa Circle reveals a polished side of Colombo — gleaming high-rises, spotless avenues, luxury car showrooms and fine-dining establishments that reinforce the city’s cosmopolitan port identity.
By Saturday night, the area’s pubs and bistros were packed well past midnight. Indian and Pakistani visitors, many draped in team colours, dominated the crowd. Local businesses say the turnout has exceeded expectations.
“We usually see strong weekend footfall, but this is something else,” said Michael Amarasiri, who manages a popular bar in the area. According to him, the uncertainty over whether the match would proceed had initially dampened bookings.
“There was confusion after Pakistan signalled it might skip the game. Some guests even cancelled their rooms,” he explained. “But once confirmation came that the match would go ahead, the phones didn’t stop ringing.”
Amarasiri added that fresh bookings poured in, particularly from Indian cities such as Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. Many opted for short stays of one or two nights to coincide with the match. With hotels filling up rapidly, travel operators have coordinated with smaller guesthouses and homeowners offering short-term rentals to meet the demand. Airfares to Colombo have also spiked sharply in recent days, reflecting the sudden rush.
Half in jest, Amarasiri suggested that Colombo could host more such fixtures in the future. “Maybe we should see more India–Pakistan games here. A bilateral series in Sri Lanka wouldn’t be a bad idea,” he said with a smile.
The impact extends well beyond organized hospitality. Around Khettarama Road near the stadium, a carnival-like scene has emerged. Street vendors display Indian and Pakistani jerseys, flags and hats, while others offer temporary tattoos in team colours. Makeshift stalls sell lemonade, fruit juices and fresh coconut water to fans waiting under the tropical sun.
Players themselves have acknowledged the warmth of the hosts. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised the hospitality he has experienced over multiple tours. He described Sri Lankans as gracious and welcoming, noting that his team has enjoyed its time in the island nation.
For Colombo, the cricketing spectacle has become more than a sporting event. It has transformed into an economic lifeline for a weekend — energizing nightlife, filling hotel rooms, boosting small vendors and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international fans.
As supporters cheer in the stands and revel in the streets, Sri Lanka’s tourism and service sectors are quietly celebrating a win of their own.
