Afridi backs Pakistan's India match boycott, challenges ICC on neutrality
This is the moment for the ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent and fair to every member, says Shahid Afridi.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi yesterday (2 February) expressed his full support for Islamabad's decision to boycott the country's 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.
The Pakistan government confirmed a day before 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 15 February.
Reacting to the development on X, Afridi acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the standoff but stood firm with the national policy.
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"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.
"This is the moment for ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is 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 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.
