Nasser Hussain backs Pakistan, Bangladesh as T20 World Cup row deepens

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has voiced support for Bangladesh and Pakistan over their stances amid uncertainty surrounding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying international cricket has reached a stage where political considerations are beginning to outweigh the sport itself.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8, but controversy has grown in recent weeks. Bangladesh were left out of the competition after declining to travel to India, citing security concerns. Pakistan later backed Bangladesh by refusing to play their scheduled match against India, raising questions over whether the much-anticipated February 15 clash in Colombo will go ahead.

Speaking on the Sky Cricket Podcast with former England skipper Michael Atherton, Hussain said that he respected both countries for standing their ground at a difficult moment.

Hussain questioned whether the same standards would apply if a more powerful cricketing nation were in a similar situation. He said the key issue for teams was consistency in how rules are enforced, suggesting that smaller boards often feel the impact more sharply.

He acknowledged that many Indian supporters might dismiss the criticism, but argued that influence in the game also brings responsibility. Hussain warned that sidelining teams repeatedly could damage their development and weaken major rivalries, ultimately hurting the sport. He added that political tensions were now spilling over into franchise cricket as well.

Hussain raised concerns over whether teams owned by Indian Premier League stakeholders would continue to select Pakistani and Bangladeshi players. He said he understood that officials at the England and Wales Cricket Board were monitoring the issue closely in relation to The Hundred competition. According to Hussain, there was awareness within English cricket that players from Pakistan, in particular, should not be disadvantaged.

Atherton responded by saying he did not expect any change in policy, noting that The Hundred remains open to players from all countries. He added, however, that the situation was worth keeping an eye on, especially since four of the teams are owned by IPL-linked groups.

Hussain warned that cricket risked “damaging itself” if players were shut out of franchise opportunities, contrasting the situation with other leagues where overseas exposure can strengthen a nation’s game. He said he was impressed by how Pakistan had continued to perform despite the challenges it faces off the field.

He also said he understood Bangladesh’s decision to stand up for Mustafizur Rahman and said he appreciated Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh on the issue. Hussain called for a return to focusing on the game itself, saying there needed to be a point where cricket moved past political escalation and back onto the field.