Former England cricket captain Nasser Hussain has openly criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for what he calls double standards in handling Pakistan and Bangladesh during international tournaments. Hussain’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions over venue changes and political influence affecting cricket schedules in the subcontinent.
Speaking to the media, Hussain questioned whether the ICC would have acted similarly if India had requested a venue change. “If Bangladesh had been replaced by India, what would the ICC have done? Would they have removed India from the event as well? The ICC must treat Bangladesh and Pakistan fairly, just like India,” Hussain asserted.
Hussain praised Bangladesh for standing firm on its stance to support its players, and he commended Pakistan for backing Bangladesh. “Pakistan did the right thing by supporting Bangladesh. It’s important to say that enough politics has interfered—now we should focus on playing cricket,” he added.
He further criticized India’s sudden exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman, attributing it to political pressure rather than sporting considerations. Hussain expressed concern that politics has entered cricket, with incidents such as players not shaking hands and teams refusing trophies signaling a troubling trend.
“If Pakistan and Bangladesh are continuously pressured, cricket itself will suffer. Despite restrictions and challenges, Pakistan continues to perform at a high level,” Hussain said, emphasizing the resilience of players facing external pressures.
Cricket analysts echo Hussain’s concerns, noting that political interventions in scheduling, player selection, and venue allocations risk undermining the integrity of the sport. Many argue that cricket’s global appeal depends on fair treatment of all participating nations, regardless of geopolitical tensions.
Hussain’s comments come at a critical time for the ICC, which has faced repeated criticism for inconsistencies in decision-making, particularly when high-profile countries like India are involved. Experts suggest that equitable handling of all member nations is essential to maintain trust and ensure the sport remains free from political bias.
In conclusion, Hussain urged cricket authorities to prioritize the spirit of the game over political agendas. He stressed that continued pressure on Pakistan and Bangladesh could jeopardize international cricket’s credibility and growth, and called for fair play, mutual respect, and sporting integrity to guide future decisions.
