Shahid Afridi makes SHOCKING remark against ICC, backs Pakistan for boycotting match against India, says…
Amidst the ongoing tension regarding the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against India, former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has shared his views. Posting on X, Afridi mentioned that while he believes sports should be kept separate from political issues, he fully stands by the Pakistan government’s current stance.
Shahid Afridi noted his long-held belief that cricket can bridge gaps where politics fails
The Pakistan government gave the green light for its team to travel to Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup but ruled out playing the group match against India. Commenting on this, Shahid Afridi noted his long-held belief that cricket can bridge gaps where politics fails. However, he admitted that missing the match against India is a sad situation.
Shahid Afridi directly challenged the International Cricket Council
In his post, Shahid Afridi directly challenged the International Cricket Council (ICC). He stated that the organization needs to move beyond just making statements and show true leadership through its actions. Afridi wrote that the ICC must prove it is fair, independent, and treats all member nations equally. This criticism comes as the ICC considers taking strict disciplinary action against Pakistan for their recent decision.
“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. Regrettably, Pakistan won’t play India at the #T20WorldCup, but I stand behind my government’s decision. This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent, and fair to every member,” Afridi’s post on X (formerly Twitter) read.
Shahid Afridi’s comments are especially significant because former Pakistani cricketers are currently divided over the decision to skip the match against India. While some former players believe boycotting the game is a mistake, high-profile figures like Afridi have chosen to publicly and firmly support the government’s path.
The ICC has already voiced deep concern over the situation
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has already voiced deep concern over the situation. They stated that “selective participation”, where a team picks and chooses which games to play. harms the spirit of international cricket. Meanwhile, Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has yet to provide a detailed official response to the matter.
The boycott of the match against India is no longer just about a single game. It has become a major issue involving the ICC’s credibility, the future of Pakistan cricket, and the complicated politics of the global sport. Because of this, Shahid Afridi’s statement is being seen as something that could further intensify the ongoing controversy.