Overview:
Hussain asked what the ICC's stand would have been had India refused to play the tournament in a particular country.
Nasser Hussain has supported Pakistan and Bangladesh amid the ongoing controversy ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh were removed from the World Cup after they refused to play their matches in India. The ICC added Scotland to the global tournament as a replacement. The issue started when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad.
Bangladesh’s government reacted angrily and urged the ICC to relocate its games to Sri Lanka. However, their demand was rejected. Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh, and their government decided to opt out of the game against the Men in Blue on February 15 in Colombo.
Speaking to Michael Atherton, Hussain slammed the BCCI for mixing politics with sports.
“I like Bangladesh sticking to their stance. They stood up for their player. I like Pakistan as well. It is political. It is good Pakistan is taking Bangladesh’s side. Someone has to say enough of politics. Cricket is more important,” he said on SKY Sports.
“Pakistan can hurt the ICC or even India on the basis of money and the finances that are associated with India-Pakistan game,” he added.
Hussain highlighted the controversy in the Asia Cup 2025, where the Indian players refused to shake hands with the Men in Green and later refused to collect the trophy from PCB and ACC head Mohsin Naqvi.
“Rahman was with Kolkata in the IPL and the BCCI said that he can’t be a part of the squad beuacse of tensions between India and Bangladesh and everything escalated after that decision.”
Hussain asked what the ICC’s stand would have been had India refused to play the tournament in a particular country.
“My sympathy is with the ICC as it was a late call. However, what the ICC would have done had India refused to play in tournament at the last moment. Would the ICC have been firm and told India that they are being knocked out due to the rules,” he mentioned.
“You have to treat Bangladesh the same way you treat Pakistan and India. Indian fans will say that BCCI has the money but with power comes responsibility. If you keep treating Pakistan and Bangladesh like this, their cricket will get diminish and there will be no close games between the countries.”