ICC faces criticism for excluding Pakistani player from T20 World Cup ticket poster

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing strong criticism after not featuring any Pakistani cricketer on the official ticket-announcement poster for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin in February next year.

According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seems to have had significant influence over the ICC’s promotional material.

The poster, released on the ICC’s social-media channels, showcases the captains of India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, and England — but noticeably leaves out Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha.

The omission has sparked disappointment among Pakistan’s cricket community.

Fans and former players have expressed frustration, interpreting the move as yet another sign of what they say is the ICC’s growing bias and politicisation of global cricket.

The 2026 T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with preparations already under way.

However, this promotional controversy has overshadowed the excitement, drawing criticism from Pakistan cricket followers who believe their team deserves equal representation on the global stage.