Former England captain Nasser Hussain stands with Pakistan and Bangladesh

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has publicly expressed his support for Pakistan and Bangladesh in their clash with the International Cricket Council (ICC) as they prepare for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.

Hussain’s comments come amid growing controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament and Pakistan’s decision to boycott its group stage match against India in Sri Lanka.

The dispute has centred on Bangladesh’s request to move its matches out of India due to security concerns.

Bangladesh were excluded from the tournament after the ICC rejected the request.

Pakistan later announced that it would not play against India due to disagreements over cooperation with Bangladesh and the ICC’s handling of the situation.

Speaking on a Sky Cricket podcast, Hussain criticised the ICC’s approach and praised the stance taken by Bangladesh and Pakistan.

He said he was “very happy that Bangladesh stuck to their guns” and praised Pakistan for supporting its regional neighbours.

Hussain also lamented the increasing influence of politics and money in the game.

The controversy has cast doubt on the India-Pakistan match, one of the most anticipated matches of the World Cup, scheduled for February 15, and raised questions about the ICC’s ability to balance the integrity of the tournament.

“I’m happy that Pakistan is standing up for Bangladesh. At some point, someone has to say, ‘Enough with the politics. Can we get back to playing cricket?'” Hussain said in a conversation with Michael Atherton on the Sky Cricket Podcast.

“Maybe it’s a real crisis, because the only way Pakistan can damage the ICC or India is that India-Pakistan match. That’s the only way,” he added.

Hussain also said that the current state of the game has become ‘depressing’ as politics continues to interfere.

“I have some sympathy for the ICC for the late decision to say we’re not going to tour. So I think the real comparison is, the real question that only the ICC can answer is, if India, in the future, say a month before a tournament in India that our government doesn’t want to go and play in a World Cup, will the ICC be so firm and say, ‘You know the rules, bad luck, we’re going to throw you out?’ That’s the only question that all parties are asking, stability,” Hussain said.