Sri Lanka Cricket set to boycott playing UAE over Saudi death sentence row: Reports

Sri Lanka Cricket is reportedly considering a boycott of matches against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid the controversy over a Sri Lankan migrant worker sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia. The development comes as Sri Lanka seeks support from other countries to help overturn the sentence.

According to media reports, Sri Lanka Cricket has privately approached Gulf nations, asking them to help persuade Saudi Arabia to reconsider the death sentence. The reports claim that Sri Lanka could refuse to play against Gulf countries if the sentence is not commuted. However, the alleged boycott threat has not been independently verified.

The reports also claim that the governments of the UAE and Oman are trying to help resolve the matter, although the final decision rests with Saudi Arabia. If confirmed, the reported stance could affect cricketing relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE. However, no official announcement confirming a boycott has been established.

Sri Lanka Cricket set to boycott playing UAE: What the reports say

Sri Lanka is preparing to petition Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court to overturn a Court of Appeal ruling that sentenced a Sri Lankan migrant worker to death. The case has drawn attention to freedom of expression, the safety of migrant workers and the use of the death penalty.

The case involves Sivarasa Anojan, an engineer in his mid-twenties who works in Saudi Arabia. Reports state that the case stems from a social media comment he posted in late June 2026. Sri Lanka is seeking support to have the sentence overturned, while reports claim that the cricket team could refuse to play against Gulf countries if the sentence is not commuted. However, the alleged boycott has not been independently confirmed.

See also -Dhananjaya de Silva steps down as Sri Lanka Test captain ahead of Pakistan series

Reports also claim that the governments of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman have assured Sri Lanka that they are trying to help resolve the matter. Any decision to overturn or commute the death sentence, however, rests with the Saudi Arabian authorities. The situation remains dependent on the outcome of the legal process and diplomatic efforts.

Saudi death sentence row: Key details and background

The case involves Sivarasa Anojan, a 24-year-old Sri Lankan engineer working in Saudi Arabia who was sentenced to death over a comment he posted on Facebook. According to Amnesty International, he was arrested on July 1, 2026, after posting a comment that Saudi authorities considered insulting to Prophet Muhammad. Anojan reportedly deleted the comment and later posted a video apology expressing regret.

On July 27, 2026, a criminal court in Al Ahsa sentenced Anojan to five years in prison and imposed a fine of SAR 3 million (around US$800,000). However, on September 17, the Court of Appeal in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region increased his sentence to death. Amnesty International reported that Anojan was denied access to a lawyer from the time of his arrest until his initial sentencing. He has since appealed the death sentence.

See also -Where to watch PAK vs SL 3rd T20I 2026 in India? Know TV channels, streaming and more

The case has raised concerns about freedom of expression, legal rights and the use of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. Amnesty International has called on Saudi authorities to overturn the sentence and release Anojan immediately and unconditionally. The organisation reported that at least 175 people had been executed in Saudi Arabia by October 5, 2026, including at least 94 foreign nationals from more than 20 countries. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government is pursuing legal and diplomatic efforts to seek clemency for Anojan.

What happens next: Impact on Sri Lanka Cricket’s matches in the UAE

Sri Lanka Cricket’s upcoming matches in the UAE could face uncertainty amid reports of a possible boycott over the death sentence handed to Sri Lankan citizen Sivarasa Anojan in Saudi Arabia. The situation has raised questions about whether the team will travel to the UAE for its scheduled fixtures.

Reports suggest that Sri Lanka Cricket is considering its options while the government continues efforts to seek clemency for Anojan. However, no official confirmation of a boycott has been established, so the team’s participation in the UAE remains uncertain.

The situation could affect Sri Lanka’s cricket schedule if the board decides not to play in the UAE. For now, the next steps will depend on Sri Lanka Cricket’s official decision and any developments in the diplomatic efforts to save Anojan from execution.