Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has voiced strong support for the Bangladesh Cricket Board after its decision not to send the national team to India.
Afridi said the move was justified and highlighted what he described as the International Cricket Council’s growing bias toward India. He stressed that the ICC was formed to serve all member nations, not a single country.
“The ICC stands for the International Cricket Council, not the Indian Cricket Council,” Afridi said. He added that concerns over fairness can no longer be ignored. He argued that decisions affecting international teams should reflect equality and neutrality.
🚨 After Pakistan, Bangladesh refuses to play T20 World Cup in India, asks ICC to shift its matches to Sri Lanka.
— Earlier, BCCI ordered IPL Team to remove Bangladeshi cricketer from the team, after pressure by Hindu groups. pic.twitter.com/JNFJwqX6rX
— South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) January 4, 2026Backing Bangladesh’s stance, Afridi said it is now the ICC’s responsibility to shift Bangladesh’s matches to a neutral venue. He noted that players always want to compete. However, governing bodies must ensure a level playing field and respect national concerns.
Read: Babar Azam Surpasses Shahid Afridi’s Unwanted T20I Record
Afridi also pointed out that political and administrative issues should not compromise the spirit of the game. He said transparency and balance are essential to protect cricket’s global credibility.
Bangladesh recently decided not to tour India for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. This move sparked debate across the cricketing world. The decision has increased pressure on the ICC to review venue arrangements and reassure member boards of fair treatment.
