In a statement that has added fuel to the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 crisis, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has backed his government’s decision to boycott the high-profile match against India.
The legendary all-rounder took to X (formerly Twitter) on February 2, 2026, to express his regret over the situation while simultaneously throwing down a gauntlet to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Afridi’s Stance: Regret vs. Support
Afridi, traditionally an advocate for using sports to bridge diplomatic gaps, offered a nuanced but firm reaction to the Pakistan government’s “selective participation” policy.
- The Regret: Afridi admitted it is “regrettable” that the February 15 clash in Colombo will not take place, noting his long-held belief that “cricket can open doors when politics closes them.”
- The Challenge: He directly tagged the @ICC, demanding that the governing body prove its independence.”This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent, and fair to every member.” — Shahid Afridi
The Consistency Controversy
Afridi’s latest comments have drawn sharp criticism from fans and former players, particularly in India, who pointed out a perceived double standard:
- Past Stance: Only last year, Afridi slammed the India Legends team for boycotting a match against Pakistan Legends, arguing then that politics and cricket should never mix.
- Current Stance: Critics argue that by supporting a government-led boycott now, he is validating the very politicization of the sport he previously condemned.
Why the Boycott?
The Pakistan government’s decision is a protest against the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh, which was recently removed from the T20 World Cup after refusing to travel to India for its matches.
- Afridi’s Earlier Argument: Last week, Afridi accused the ICC of “inconsistency,” pointing out that India’s security concerns were accommodated during the 2025 Champions Trophy (resulting in a hybrid model), but Bangladesh’s similar concerns for the 2026 World Cup were dismissed.
ICC’s Brewing Storm
The ICC is currently in an emergency session to decide Pakistan’s fate. Potential consequences include:
- Financial Sanctions: Freezing the PCB’s annual revenue share of $34.5 million.
- Tournament Ban: In an extreme case, suspending Pakistan from the entire 2026 edition and replacing them with Uganda.
- PSL Impact: Restricting No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for international stars to play in the Pakistan Super League.