London — Former England captain Nasser Hussain has voiced strong support for Pakistan and Bangladesh’s firm positions amid escalating controversy over the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, warning that growing political interference is seriously harming international cricket.
The tournament, set for India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, faces uncertainty after Bangladesh refused to travel to India, citing security concerns, and Pakistan followed by declining their high-profile clash against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Hussain, speaking on the Sky Cricket Podcast with Michael Atherton, praised both nations for standing their ground.
“If India, a month before a tournament, said their government didn’t want them to play in a country for a World Cup, would ICC really be so firm?” – Nasser Hussain
Calling out India & ICC’s double standards, while praising Bangladesh and Pakistan for stepping up. pic.twitter.com/jn6IT79HmD
— Kh4N PCT (@Kh4N_PCT) February 4, 2026
Key Highlights
- Hussain supports Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India over security and player treatment.
- Backs Pakistan’s solidarity with Bangladesh in refusing India match.
- Calls for return to cricket free of political disputes.
- Highlights Asia Cup incidents: Indian players skip handshakes, reject trophy from PCB chief.
- Questions ICC consistency: Would India face same exclusion for similar refusal?
- Warns unequal treatment marginalises Pakistan/Bangladesh cricket, risks one-sided contests.
- Notes India-Pakistan match revenue as Pakistan’s main leverage against ICC.
“I quite like Bangladesh sticking to their guns. They stood up for their player,” Hussain said, referencing the removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL squad despite being auctioned. He added, “And I quite like Pakistan sticking up for Bangladesh… at some stage someone has got to say enough is enough — can we just get back to playing cricket?”
Hussain described the current climate as “fairly depressing,” pointing to how cricket — once a unifier across politically tense nations — now often deepens divisions. He referenced Asia Cup scenes where Indian players avoided handshakes with Pakistanis and refused the trophy from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
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The former captain questioned ICC consistency, asking whether the governing body would have excluded India if their government blocked travel a month before a World Cup. “With power comes responsibility,” he stressed, warning that marginalising Pakistan or Bangladesh weakens the sport’s global balance and contests.
Pakistan’s stance received high-level backing from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who confirmed Islamabad would not shift position despite back-channel talks. Hussain acknowledged the ICC’s logistical challenges with late decisions but emphasised the need for fair treatment across all members.
This rare public endorsement from a prominent cricket voice highlights growing concern that politics is overshadowing the game, risking the spirit and competitiveness that define international cricket — a call for balance and unity on the field amid rising off-field tensions.
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