Harry Brook, Nasser Hussain. Image Credits: X
The India-Pakistan standoff at the T20 World Cup 2026 has moved far beyond cricket. Political decisions, boardroom pressure and financial threats have taken centre stage.
Pakistan's refusal to play India on February 15 in Colombo has triggered warnings from the ICC and broadcasters. Amid all this noise, players from other teams are being asked to react.
England batter Harry Brook offered a calm and honest take on the growing uncertainty.
Harry Brook reacts to India-Pakistan World Cup drama
Speaking at the captain's press conference ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, England skipper Harry Brook was asked to share his views on the Pakistan-India standoff.
Brook was asked about the confusion around some fixture, and his response was clear and measured. The England batter made it clear that players are not decision-makers in such situations. Their focus remains on playing the game.
"Up to the ICC and whoever is involved. We are here to enjoy cricket and stay in the moment. It's above our pay grade," Brook told press.
Brook’s words perfectly align with a wider mood among cricketers. They are aware of the controversy but unwilling to get pulled into politics or administrative fights.
For players, preparation, form and performance matter more than boardroom battles. Moreover, for Harry Brook, the stakes are higher as he is captaining England for the first time in a World Cup.
Harry Brook contradicts Nasser Hussain
Former England legend Nasser Hussain earlier backed Pakistan and Bangladesh for taking a stand against the ICC and openly questioned India's power in world cricket. He spoke about money, control, and consistency, and suggested someone had to say "enough is enough".
His comments leaned heavily into the political side of the India-Pakistan issue. He framed the boycott as a moral stand rather than a disruption to the tournament.
Brook’s words, however, now quietly expose the contrast. Brook refused to pick sides. He called the issue "above our pay grade" and shifted focus back to cricket.
No politics. No blame. Just the game. While Nasser Hussain amplified the drama, Harry Brook downplayed it. He accepted uncertainty as part of modern cricket and trusted the ICC to handle it.
Brook’s calm stance mirrors what players actually feel. Play cricket. Stay in the moment. Let administrators deal with politics.
India-Pakistan drama explained
Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match followed a directive from its government. The move was described as a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, which was removed from the tournament after refusing to travel to India due to security concerns.
The ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, a decision backed by most member boards but opposed by Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Since then, the ICC has warned the PCB about serious consequences. Reports have suggested that broadcasters, including Mukesh Ambani-led JioStar, could move court over breach of contract.
The India-Pakistan clash is considered the most valuable fixture in world cricket. Broadcasters are said to be guaranteed huge revenues based on such matches.
The ICC has also made it clear that selective participation goes against the spirit of a global tournament. Playing some matches while skipping others is not acceptable under World Cup rules.
