The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stirred controversy after unveiling the official promotional poster for the T20 World Cup 2026 without featuring a single Pakistani player.
The poster, released across the ICC’s social media platforms, showcases top names from India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, and England. But Pakistan’s absence, particularly the absence of expected captain Salman Ali Agha, has become the focal point of online conversation, with cricket supporters calling the omission “deliberate” and “disrespectful.”
The backlash has intensified wider criticism of the ICC’s leadership structure, especially with Jay Shah serving as chairman. Many fans and analysts argue that the BCCI’s growing influence is shaping the ICC’s marketing and promotional decisions, often to Pakistan’s disadvantage.
Social media platforms flooded with complaints soon after the poster went live, with users accusing the ICC of sidelining Pakistan from major global campaigns despite the country’s strong cricketing pedigree. Commentators say the decision sends a troubling signal at a time when the tournament’s promotional drive is entering full swing.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March, with online ticket sales opening today. As per the schedule, Pakistan is set to play all its matches in Sri Lanka under the event’s co-hosting arrangement.
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