Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi has voiced strong criticism against the International Cricket Council (ICC), alleging that the governing body is biased towards India and acts as an extension of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Sethi's comments come amidst a growing controversy surrounding Bangladesh's participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the ICC to shift their matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. This request was spurred by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructing the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release experienced Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. The ICC rejected Bangladesh's request, asserting that the tournament schedule would remain intact. Consequently, the BCB has approached the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC).

Amidst this standoff, reports have emerged suggesting that Pakistan may also consider boycotting the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh. Sethi has backed this potential move, stating that Bangladesh has taken a "valid and strong stance". He expressed confidence in current PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, saying that Naqvi "understands the game and has a good grasp of all aspects" and that whatever decision he makes will be the right one.

Sethi has been a vocal critic of the ICC, accusing the governing body of consistently favoring India in major decisions. He argued that the ICC did not take Bangladesh's concerns seriously and showed bias towards India. He urged other cricket-playing nations to stand together and ensure that the ICC makes impartial decisions. "If other countries stand up after Pakistan, the ICC will realise that this is not the Indian Cricket Council, but the International Cricket Council," Sethi stated.

Drawing from his own experience as PCB chairman, Sethi recalled a previous instance where he took India to the DRC over its refusal to play Pakistan despite bilateral commitments. The case was unsuccessful, costing the PCB around two million dollars in legal expenses.

The ICC, on the other hand, has maintained that its decisions are based on independent security assessments and the need to protect the integrity of the tournament schedule. The ICC board stated that altering the schedule in the absence of any credible security threat could set a precedent that would jeopardize future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body.

As the situation unfolds, the cricketing world awaits the PCB's decision regarding the potential boycott. If Bangladesh withdraws, the ICC is likely to replace them with Scotland. The controversy highlights the complex dynamics and power struggles within international cricket administration.