ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing backlash after releasing its promotional poster for the T20 World Cup 2026, which notably excluded Pakistan’s captain, while featuring India’s skipper.
The omission has ignited claims of political bias, with fans accusing the ICC of being influenced by India’s growing power in global cricket.
The poster, which highlights captains from India, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, left out Pakistan, one of the top T20 teams.
Fans and cricket commentators have slammed the decision, suggesting that it was politically motivated, particularly given India’s role as a co-host of the upcoming tournament.
Critics have pointed fingers at Jay Shah, the ICC Chairman, who is closely associated with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They argue that India’s increasing influence within cricket governance is undermining the sport’s neutrality and fairness.
On social media, Pakistan’s cricket fans expressed outrage, accusing the ICC of marginalizing Pakistan’s visibility in favor of India. “This exclusion is too blatant to be accidental,” said one user.
“Such promotional material passes through multiple layers of approval.” Many see this as part of a broader trend where administrative decisions reflect the geopolitics of the region, with India often at the center.
This controversy has deepened mistrust between the cricketing nations, with Pakistanis feeling sidelined in global cricket politics. Analysts point out that such issues, whether administrative or on-field, often mirror the tense political relations between the two countries.
Amid the turmoil, the upcoming India-Pakistan clash on February 15 next year, at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium is already set to be a high-stakes fixture that will draw immense global attention.
Pakistan’s group-stage matches will take place in Sri Lanka due to a neutral venue agreement, ensuring the games avoid being held in India.
With the T20 World Cup spanning eight venues in both India and Sri Lanka, the final is scheduled for March 8, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
