The ACC 2023 Asia Cup was the first warning sign. Pakistan was the designated host, yet India refused to play on Pakistani soil. Instead of enforcing accountability, the Asian Cricket Council imposed a “hybrid model.” Pakistan, the rightful host, was reduced to staging only four matches, while nine matches were allotted to Sri Lanka. No offence to Sri Lanka, but this was not about logistics—it was about national integrity. A host stripped of its authority is a host in name only, and Pakistan’s sovereignty was compromised.
The ICC 2025 Champions Trophy was supposed to restore Pakistan’s dignity on the global stage. Once again, India refused to play in Pakistan. This time, the ICC went further, allowing India to designate the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as their “home venue.” The irony is glaring: Pakistan was the official host, yet India enjoyed home privileges outside our borders.
Now, if Bangladesh seeks similar privileges, the hypocrisy becomes undeniable. India played this game in 2025, and their media ridiculed Bangladesh—mocking that they gained independence from Pakistan “because of us,” only to now flex their muscles against them. This arrogance is not isolated; it is a pattern. India’s relations with all its neighbors—Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and China—remain strained because of this attitude. Cricket has become another arena for their political muscle‑flexing.
Why This Matters
- Pakistan was the rightful host in 2023 and 2025, yet our sovereignty was diluted.
- India was allowed to dictate terms, enjoying privileges no other nation has been granted.
- Bangladesh’s refusal exposes the hypocrisy: if India was accommodated, why not Bangladesh?
- ICC’s selective accountability undermines trust and fairness in global cricket.
Pakistan’s Stand
Mr. Mohsin Naqvi’s position reflects the frustration of millions of Pakistanis who have seen their cricket repeatedly undermined. His stance is not weakness—it is dignity. Pakistan has been denied fairness too many times. From the Asia Cup hybrid model to the Champions Trophy compromise, and now Bangladesh’s refusal being treated differently, the ICC has failed to apply its rules consistently.
Pakistan will not continue to play the role of a silent victim. If the ICC cannot guarantee equal treatment, then Pakistan has every right to reconsider its participation. This is not about favors—it is about principle. Pakistan’s cricketing sovereignty must be respected.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s dignity as a host is not negotiable. India’s refusals in 2023 and 2025 were tolerated, even rewarded. Now, when Bangladesh seeks similar privileges, ICC suddenly grows a conscience. This selective accountability is unacceptable.
If cricket is to survive as a global sport, ICC must apply the same rules to all nations—no exceptions, no favoritism. Either the ICC enforces fairness across the board, or it admits openly that cricket has become hostage to politics.
