Shahid Afridi takes a dig at ICC as India vs Pakistan boycott controversy deepens: India vs Pakistan has always been the best encounter in any ICC major event. Over the years, it has gained lots of viewership and generated revenues as well.
As clouds loom over the India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match, former players and pundits are sharing their insights on the ongoing controversy in the cricketing fraternity. The Pakistan government gave the green signal to play the T20 World Cup hosted in India and Sri Lanka.
However, the national government, along with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), also mentioned that they will not face India in their group stage game, which is scheduled on February 15th at the R Premedasa International Stadium, Colombo. They are planning to opt out of the match. However, no official statement has yet been released by the PCB to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Shahid Afridi supports the Pakistan government
Former players and pundits have shared their views on the ongoing rifts, as former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi via X (formerly Twitter) tweeted and spoke about keeping sports and politics separate, and expressed his dismay over the decision, however, not criticising his government.
Shahid Afridi stated, via X, “I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the #T20WorldCup, but I stand behind my government’s decision. This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent, and fair to every member.”
Shahid Afridi’s credibility questioned
Previously, Shahid Afridi criticised India for opting out of their World Championship of Legends match against Pakistan Legends in July. At that time, he stated that politics and cricket should not be mixed. However, the former Pakistan all-rounder is supporting the political interference of his government at one of cricket’s most prestigious events.
Shahid Afridi said back in July, “Sports bring people closer, but if politics gets involved in everything, how will we move forward?… Sometimes, there’s one bad egg that spoils everything for everyone else,” taking a jab at former India batter Shikhar Dhawan. Pakistan could well be in trouble if they do not feature in the game.
ICC to ban Pakistan from world cricket?
As ICC has already mentioned in their statement, “The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.” They will not allow any kind of playing ‘selective games.
Pakistan could face a loss of points from the World Test Championship *WTC) cycle, negative impact on the ICC rankings, top member nations refusing to travel to Pakistan, and finally, sanctions on the participation of players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). If they stand on their statement, the worst that can happen is a ban from world cricket and being removed from the T20 World Cup, like Bangladesh.
ICC is set to have an emergency meeting in the span of 48 hours to discuss the future of this matter, and a final call is still to be taken. The ICC already removed Bangladesh after it refused to play in India, citing security reasons. Pakistan could be following the same path.
Also Read: Danish Kaneria backstabs Pakistan, calls India match boycott a ‘suicidal move’
