Afridi, Gillespie question ICC's 'inconsistency' after Bangladesh’s 2026 T20 World Cup exit

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and former Australia all-rounder Jason Gillespie have criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) following its decision to remove Bangladesh from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Both former internationals questioned what they described as inconsistency in the ICC’s decision-making, drawing parallels with the handling of India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Afridi expressed his dissatisfaction with the ICC’s approach, highlighting what he saw as unequal treatment of member boards. He referred to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing security concerns, and pointed out that the ICC had subsequently allowed India to play their matches at a neutral venue in Dubai. India eventually reached the final of the tournament, while Pakistan did not get the opportunity to host the final on home soil.

“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by the ICC’s inconsistency. It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh,” Afridi wrote on social media platform X

Afridi further emphasised the importance of uniform application of regulations by the sport’s governing body.

“Consistency and fairness are the foundation of global cricket governance. Bangladesh’s players and millions of its fans deserve respect not mixed standards. The ICC should build bridges, not burn them,” he added.

Gillespie, who previously served as head coach of Pakistan, also questioned the ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh situation in a separate social media post, similarly referencing the Champions Trophy precedent involving India. The former Australia fast bowler later deleted the post.

“Has there been an explanation from the ICC why Bangladesh could not play their games outside of India? From memory, India refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan and were allowed to play those games outside the country. Can someone make this make sense?" he said.

Bangladesh were removed from the 2026 T20 World Cup after the ICC declined their request not to send the team to India for the tournament, citing security concerns. The matter remained unresolved over a three-week period before the ICC formally confirmed that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the competition.