Pakistan shouldn't play vs India, was ICC sleeping before? T20 World Cup winner

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has lashed out at the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing it of biased behaviour towards India and stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should not take a U-turn on its decision to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Suryakumar Yadav's men.

The Pakistan government has given the green signal to the national cricket team to participate in the T20 World Cup. However, they have been asked not to take the field on February 15, when they are scheduled to face India in Colombo.

While the ICC revealed that it has not received any official confirmation of the boycott decision from the PCB and has warned that such a call could have serious consequences for Pakistan’s cricketing scene.

Akmal said that when the ICC agreed to India's request to for a hybrid model instead of travelling to Pakistan to play their matches.

“PCB should not back down. The ICC has told the Pakistan Cricket Board to reconsider its stance of boycotting the India game. Was the ICC sleeping when the Asia Cup was played under the hybrid model? Was the ICC sleeping when India said it would not play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and would only play at a neutral venue?” Akmal said on the Game Plan show.

“How many times has Pakistan played in India despite the heightened tensions between the two countries? I have gone myself. The ICC should have thought about these things three years ago. The two countries have not played a bilateral series for years now. Wasn’t that also politics?” Akmal added.

They disrespected us (during Asia Cup 2025): Akmal

The 2009 T20 World Cup winner also referred to the controversial events involving the two neighbouring countries during the Asia Cup 2025, claiming that India insulted Pakistan during the continental competition.

“Shouldn’t the ICC have thought of ending the politics then? The PCB’s decision should be respected in the same way that we respected India’s decision to play in a hybrid model. Things had reached extreme levels. During the Asia Cup, they refused to shake hands with our players and then refused to accept the trophy. They disrespected us,” he said.

During the 2025 Asia Cup, India faced Pakistan on three occasions. The Indian players didn't shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. They also refused to accept the trophy from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.