Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq stirred a hornet’s nest ahead of the India-Pakistan clash, alleging that the ICC could come “under BCCI influence” and even tamper with the Premadasa pitch, which will host the marquee encounter in the 2026 T20 World Cup on Sunday.
Under the hybrid model adopted for the tournament, Pakistan are playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. They have won both their opening Group A fixtures at the SSC Stadium in Colombo. However, the blockbuster showdown against India will be staged at the R Premadasa Stadium.
After Pakistan’s win over the USA earlier this week, a result that left them one victory away from sealing a second-round berth, Saqlain was asked on the Pakistani show Game on Hai whether he expected a similar surface in Colombo for the India clash. The veteran triggered controversy by suggesting that the ICC, under BCCI’s influence, could alter the pitch conditions, potentially forcing Pakistan to rethink their playing XI.
“With the kind of technology available today and the modern-day groundsmen, the pitch can change — you never know. We know under whose influence the ICC works,” Saqlain said.
{{/usCountry}}“With the kind of technology available today and the modern-day groundsmen, the pitch can change — you never know. We know under whose influence the ICC works,” Saqlain said.
{{/usCountry}}The discussion then shifted to team selection, particularly the use of Faheem Ashraf, Pakistan’s only fast-bowling all-rounder in the squad. Experts on the panel, including former pacer Umar Gul and ex-captain Mohammad Hafeez, questioned why Faheem had not bowled a single over in the first two matches.
“You’ve given Usman Tariq a game, which gives him confidence ahead of India. But if you need two fast bowlers and an all-rounder going forward, the entire equation changes. Look at Jimmy Neesham he’s like our Faheem Ashraf. Some days he bowls one over, some days he bowls the 20th. Who bowls the 20th over for Pakistan? Tariq? Nawaz? Shadab? Abrar? When have they last done it? Faheem has, whether good or bad,” Saqlain argued.
Gul and Hafeez echoed similar concerns, questioning Salman Agha’s captaincy. They suggested that Faheem should have been utilised against the Netherlands and the USA to build confidence ahead of the high-pressure clash against India.