Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council over what he described as unequal treatment of teams following Bangladesh’s removal from the T20 World Cup. Speaking on a Pakistani television show the ex-offspinner questioned the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after concerns were raised about travelling to India due to security issues.
Saqlain argued that Bangladesh’s request for a venue change was reasonable and should have been accommodated. He pointed out that similar adjustments have been made in the past for other teams and insisted that denying Bangladesh the same consideration highlights deeper issues within global cricket governance. According to Saqlain the decision has reinforced Pakistan’s stance in supporting a potential boycott of the India fixture in solidarity with Bangladesh.
The former cricketer also reminded the ICC of Pakistan’s role during the COVID pandemic when international cricket had largely come to a halt. Saqlain claimed Pakistan were among the first nations to resume overseas tours helping revive the global cricket calendar at a difficult time. He said these contributions should not be forgotten and urged the ICC to acknowledge Pakistan’s willingness to support the sport when it was struggling.
Saqlain further alleged that the ICC operates under the influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and stressed that financial power should not dictate decision making. He emphasised that while revenue generation is important it should not come at the cost of fairness and equality among member nations. The former spinner maintained that all teams deserve the same respect and rights regardless of their commercial value.
As discussions continue between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board reports suggest that there could be renewed talks following intervention from other cricket boards. The situation has sparked widespread debate about governance equality transparency and fairness in international cricket.
