Hafeez criticises ICC, Saqlain accuses ex-India cricketers of hate after Pakistan’s U-turn: ‘They don’t understand purpose of cricket’

Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the entire mess related to the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, while ex-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq slammed former Indian cricketers for spreading hate. Comments from Hafeez and Saqlain against the ICC and former Indian cricketers came on a day when Pakistan made a U-turn, withdrawing its decision to boycott the match vs India on 15 February in Colombo.

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Pakistan had initially decided to boycott the India match in the T20 World Cup after the ICC removed Bangladesh from the tournament for refusing to play their matches in India. The U-turn was made after the ICC decided not to take any action against Bangladesh, following negotiations between all major stakeholders in Lahore on Sunday.

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Hafeez slams ICC, asks for accountability

While the Pakistan government announced the withdrawal of the boycott on Monday, Hafeez slammed the ICC for its role in the whole mess as he asked why no one from the global body has taken responsibility for the issues.

“What was the conclusion of the politics played with the sport over the last two or three weeks? First, we must look at the pain caused to cricket fans sitting all over the world—whether it was a Bangladeshi fan, an England supporter, or someone supporting Pakistan. Fans everywhere were hurt by this decision. My only question is: who was wrong?” Hafeez said on the Game on Hai show. “Someone was at fault, yet it wasn’t disclosed whose mistake it was. Compensation is being given, but on what basis? If it’s based on a mistake, why wasn’t it admitted? Afterward, they claim they are taking this decision to protect ‘integrity and spirit.’ Where were these claimants before? The question is, why did it even take this turn?”

“This is a total failure of the ICC and their administration. This must be accepted first. Beyond that, whether Bangladesh gets a favor, a tournament, or a participation fee—and ensuring no sanctions are placed on them—is fine. But the character who played the wrong role needs to be exposed. If they remain hidden, we might see such cases again. Unless a mistake is realized, highlighted, and accepted, you cannot improve. In this whole matter, I still don’t understand who was at fault.”

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Saqlain accuses ex-India cricketers of spreading hate

Meanwhile, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has accused former India cricketers of disrespecting his country.

“Recently, an ex-cricketer—I won’t name him because it doesn’t feel right—was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect. He replied, ‘Look, before I speak, those who have no respect to begin with, how can they talk about respect?’ I mean, use some common sense! What kind of narrow-minded things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are supposed to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero!” Saqlain said on the Game On Hai show.

“The politicians are doing what they do—they are playing their politics. But you guys [former cricketers] shouldn’t talk like this. Don’t you understand? When you hit a boundary or take a wicket, everyone claps—from this side and that side. You just don’t seem to get it. I say they need some sense on the other side of the border; they should speak a bit more intelligently.”

Saqlain added that former Indian cricketers are using the sport to spread hate when it stands for peace and unity.

“Even the big ex-cricketers over there are saying such strange things and spreading hatred. They don’t understand the purpose of this game. Cricket delivers a message of peace and unity. I remember when we went to play the ‘Cricket All-Stars’ in America; the fans had stitched flags together to make one giant flag. In the middle, the Indian and Pakistani flags were joined, with Indians and Pakistanis standing together,” Saqlain added.