Former masterblaster Shahid Afridi has thrown his weight being the government’s decision, urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to behave in an impartial, independent and fair manner, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In a post uploaded on his X account on Monday, Shahid Afridi said “I have always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the T20 World Cup.”
He maintained “But, I stand behind my government’s decision. This the moment for the ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent and fair to every member.”
Pakistan had announced on Sunday that it will not take the field in the match against India during the upcoming World Cup Twenty20.
The decision came after a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Pakistan will play the World Cup but will not take the field against India in the match to be played on February 15. “The government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” a post of the government’s X account said.