'Cement factory like facility': Video of Pakistan cricket team players from Colombo goes viral

A video purportedly showing members of the Pakistan cricket team in Colombo has gone viral on social media, sparking criticism over the facilities allegedly provided to the visitors.

The clip shows Pakistan players stepping out of a team bus and walking through what appears to be an unkempt, industrial-looking backyard. It remains unclear whether the team was heading to or returning from a training session, and the exact location—whether a stadium complex or a hotel premises—cannot be confirmed from the footage.

Sharing the video on X, one user alleged poor treatment of the team, claiming, “This is the facility and hospitality provided to the Pakistan cricket team in Colombo by Sri Lanka and the ICC. It looks like they are coming out of a cement factory.” The post quickly gained traction, drawing mixed reactions from fans and commentators online.


Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council held a closed-door meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. The discussions focused on Pakistan’s decision to boycott its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, according to Dawn.



The meeting lasted nearly four hours, but no joint statement was issued. Sources within the PCB told Dawn that any formal announcement would be made only after securing approval from the Pakistan government.

During the talks, the ICC reportedly asked the PCB to explain what steps it had taken to mitigate the alleged ‘Force Majeure’ situation, a requirement under the Members Participation Agreement (MPA). According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC had received an email from the PCB citing government directives as the basis for the boycott—less than ten days before the tournament’s commencement.

The ICC is also believed to have outlined the strict conditions under which ‘Force Majeure’ can be legitimately invoked, including the evidentiary standards required for non-participation and the potential sporting, commercial, and governance consequences. The global body reportedly warned the PCB of the material losses the ICC could suffer if the marquee match does not take place.

While the ICC is said to be keen on avoiding confrontation, its constitution allows for suspension or termination of membership in cases of serious breaches of obligations.

The PCB, however, believes it has a defensible position should the dispute escalate. It reportedly draws parallels with an earlier PCB–BCCI dispute that went before the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee, stemming from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s alleged failure to honour a 2014 Memorandum of Understanding to play six bilateral series between 2013 and 2015.

Although the PCB eventually lost its claim for damages in that case, it maintains that the Indian government’s refusal to grant permission for the series establishes a precedent—strengthening Pakistan’s current stance, according to ESPNcricinfo.