Saqlain Mushtaq accuses ICC (Source: @iamwazam/x.com, @CallMeSheri1_/x.com)
Even before the T20 World Cup 2026 could officially kick off, the India-Pakistan rivalry spilled beyond the boundary ropes and continues to intensify with every passing day. As Pakistan is facing the Netherlands in their first match of the tournament, a former Pakistani great came up with yet another complaint.
The Pakistani legends have always accused the ICC with an allegation of favoring India. Echoing the familiar claim, Saqlain Mushtaq slammed the highest cricket body for denying the Men in Green a spin-friendly pitch.
Saqlain Mushtaq reignites bias debate against ICC
Over the years, the India-Pakistan rivalry has become the biggest showdown of any ICC event as fans wait eagerly to live the thrills. But the T20 World Cup 2026 has felt the heat even before the first ball, as Pakistan’s decision to boycott the group-stage clash against India has only added fuel to the fire.
Just not the cricketers of both countries, the former cricketers of the neighbouring nation often engaged in the war of words. Adding this, the Pakistani side has always accused the ICC of favoring India. Whether the claim holds weight remains debatable, but former Pakistan great Saqlain Mushtaq has once again revived the allegation against the game’s highest authority.
As Pakistan is facing the Netherlands in their first match of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka, the surface grabbed the attention. With noticeable grass on the surface, aiding the pacers and leaves spinners struggling. Saqlain Mushtaq seized the moment to accuse the ICC of once again denying Pakistan a spin-friendly track.
“ICC = BCCI will never give spin-friendly wickets to Pakistan. I’ve never seen this much grass in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Pakistan squeeze Netherlands despite flying start
The T20 drama has returned to the cricket world, and fans are witnessing a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and the Netherlands in the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026. Even after the Dutch gave a flying start to their innings, the Pakistani bowlers seized control early on as Salman Mirza sent Max ODowd early on.
Soon after that, Mohammad Nawaz removed Michael Levitt. Reeling from back-to-back blows, the Netherlands looked to rebuild through Bas de Leede and Colin Ackermann, but Abrar Ahmed broke the stand by removing Ackermann.
As the innings progressed, the Pakistani bowlers tightened the noose and never allowed the Netherlands to regain momentum. With a complete bowling domination, Pakistan bundled them out in just 147 runs.
Will cricket’s biggest showdown finally happen?
The T20 World Cup 2026 has already started, and the future of the India-Pakistan match is still not confirmed. After Bangladesh walked away from the global event, Pakistan announced their decision to boycott their match against India on February 15.
Over the years, this has been the biggest showdown of cricket, and fans enjoyed every bit of it. Beyond the excitement, the PCB now stares at a potential financial blow, with the ICC putting ticket sales on hold. As the much-awaited clash draws closer, uncertainty continues to cloud its fate.
