Colombo(The COW News Digital) Ticket sales for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have officially begun, but controversy has already emerged after the official ticket poster failed to feature the Pakistani captain, drawing sharp criticism from fans across Pakistan.
According to official sources, the first phase of online ticket sales has started, with over 2 million tickets made available to the public. The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8, with matches taking place in India and Sri Lanka. Phase One tickets for matches in Sri Lanka are priced at a minimum of 1,000 Sri Lankan rupees, making them accessible to local spectators.
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The Pakistani team will play all its matches in Sri Lanka, with the tournament’s opening fixture set between Pakistan and the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. A high-profile encounter between Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, which is expected to attract massive attention from cricket enthusiasts.
Despite the excitement surrounding ticket sales, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has faced backlash for the official ticket poster, which notably omits the image of the Pakistani captain. Fans have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, calling the exclusion “disrespectful” and urging the ICC to acknowledge Pakistan’s pivotal role in the tournament.
The ICC has yet to respond to the criticism, but the incident has fueled discussions among cricket fans about representation and fairness in promotional materials for major events. Many supporters argue that the omission undermines Pakistan’s contribution to international cricket and the excitement surrounding its team’s participation.
Experts in sports marketing note that such controversies can affect fan engagement and viewership, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and representative promotional campaigns, especially for global tournaments like the T20 World Cup.
The tournament promises to be a highly competitive and widely watched event, with cricket fans across Asia and the world eagerly awaiting key matches. In addition to India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, teams from multiple countries will compete, highlighting the ICC’s ongoing efforts to promote the sport internationally.
As fans rush to secure tickets for the February-March event, the discussion over the Pakistani captain’s absence from promotional material continues to trend online, reflecting the passionate cricket culture in the region.
