Ex-cricketer backs Pakistan stance on IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 row; ‘Was ICC sleeping during Asia Cup?’

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the ongoing India vs Pakistan row ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Despite confirming their participation in the global event, the Pakistan government has instructed the national team to boycott the high-profile clash against India scheduled for 15 February in Colombo.

Hours later, the ICC warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of long-term consequences if it sticks to its decision to boycott the match. Backing the Pakistan government’s stance, Akmal came down heavily on the world body and urged the PCB to “not back down”.

“PCB should not back down. The ICC has told the Pakistan Cricket Board to reconsider its stance of boycotting the India game. Was the ICC sleeping when the Asia Cup was played in a hybrid model?” Akmal said on the YouTube channel Game Plan.

“Was the ICC sleeping when India said it would not play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and would only play at a neutral venue? How many times has Pakistan played in India despite heightened tensions between the two countries? I have gone myself. The ICC should have thought of these things three years back,” he added.

The former wicketkeeper was referring to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan during the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Instead, India played all its matches in Dubai.

In fact, ahead of last year’s Champions Trophy, the PCB and BCCI signed an agreement to play matches involving either team, across men’s and women’s cricket, at neutral venues until 2027 for all ICC and Asian Cricket Council events.

Kamran Akmal drags Asia Cup issue

While the India-Pakistan issue is no longer limited to cricket alone, diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to influence sporting ties. It is worth noting that India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012, citing security concerns.

Dragging in the no-handshake controversy from the Asia Cup, Akmal reiterated that Pakistan’s decision should be respected just as the PCB respected India’s stance during the hybrid tournament.

“The two countries have not played a bilateral series for years now. Wasn’t that also politics?” Akmal questioned. “Shouldn’t the ICC have thought of ending politics then? The PCB’s decision should be respected just as we respected India’s decision to play in a hybrid model.

“Things had reached extreme levels. At the Asia Cup, they refused to shake hands with our players and then refused to accept the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi. They disrespected us,” he said.

What led to Pakistan's boycott of India clash?

The row began after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Indian Premier League last month. Following his removal, Bangladesh refused to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Indian soil and were subsequently replaced by Scotland in the tournament.

Standing in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of “double standards” and said Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 would depend on a decision taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

On Sunday, the Pakistan government said the national team would take part in the T20 World Cup 2026 but would not play the group-stage clash against India.

Why PCB is yet to write to ICC on the India clash

According to RevSportz, the PCB has yet to formally inform the ICC of its decision on the boycott of the Group A match against India. Instead, the board reportedly reached out to other cricketing nations seeking support for its stance.

However, the PCB failed to gain significant backing from other boards. While the BCCI has no role in the matter, a Pakistan withdrawal would mean India begins the tournament with two points already in the bag.