By Admin 
The Pakistan government has made it clear that its cricket team will participate in the T-20 World Cup, but will not play in the match against India. This match was to be played in Sri Lanka on 15 February. After this decision, the statement of Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has come out. Khawaja Asif said, ‘Now there is a need for a new international cricket organization to save the spirit of gentleman’s game in cricket.’ He has made serious allegations against the existing organization ICC i.e. International Cricket Council. According to him, the ICC is no longer impartial and is working under the pressure of India’s political interests in South Asia.
The Pakistan government says that the team has been allowed to play in the tournament, but the decision to play the match against India was not taken due to political and security reasons. The government claims that this decision has been taken keeping in mind the national interest. At the same time, Khawaja Asif’s statement has fueled the debate in the international cricket world. He says that cricket should be kept away from politics, but ICC has failed to do so. He also said that the real purpose of cricket is sportsmanship and mutual respect, which is now slowly dying.
Shahid Afridi’s reaction
Former veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi’s reaction has also come to light on Pakistan not playing the match against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Afridi raised a big question on ICC itself. Making a post on Platform X, Afridi wrote that I always believe that cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It is a matter of regret that Pakistan will not play against India in the T20 World Cup, but I accept the decision of our government.
India-Pakistan matches in ICC tournaments
Cricket matches between India and Pakistan are always in discussion. The effect of political tension between the two countries is often seen on sports also. The bilateral series has been closed for the last several years and the two teams come face to face only in the T-20 World Cup or other big tournaments.
Also read: Shahid Afridi’s reaction on Pakistan’s decision of not playing India, raised questions on ICC itself