Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his full support for the government’s decision to boycott the group-stage match against India at the upcoming T20 World Cup, while issuing a stern challenge to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prove its impartiality, reports UNB.
The Pakistan government confirmed on Sunday via social media that while the Men in Green will participate in the 2026 tournament, they will not take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15.
Reacting to the development on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the standoff but stood firm with the national policy.
“I have always believed that cricket opens doors that politics closes. It is sad that Pakistan will not play against India in the T20 World Cup, but I stand by my government’s decision,” Afridi wrote.
He then turned his attention to the global governing body, which has faced criticism for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland following a dispute over security and venue changes in India.
“It is now time for the ICC to show their leadership,” Afridi added. “Not just through statements, but through decisions to prove that they are impartial, independent, and fair to every member.”
The diplomatic row was triggered after the ICC refused Bangladesh's request to move their matches out of India due to security concerns—concerns heightened after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped by IPL franchise KKR allegedly due to political pressure. Pakistan’s partial boycott is seen as a move of solidarity with Bangladesh.
The ICC has previously warned that “selective participation” undermines the spirit of the World Cup and urged the PCB to find a constructive resolution. Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, USA, and Namibia.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
