Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has sharply criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India in support of Bangladesh. Speaking on the YouTube channel ‘Game Plan,’ Akmal said the PCB should not back down from its stance, accusing the ICC of double standards for urging Pakistan to reconsider the boycott.

Akmal questioned why the ICC had remained silent when the Asia Cup was held under a hybrid model and when India refused to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He argued that Pakistan’s decision deserved respect, just as Pakistan had respected India’s earlier choices. Akmal also recalled incidents during the Asia Cup when Indian players allegedly refused to shake hands or accept the trophy, calling it disrespectful.

Following Pakistan’s government announcement on social media, the ICC issued a statement saying it had not yet received official communication from the PCB. The ICC urged the board to consider the long-term impact of its decision on national and global cricket and to seek a solution that protects all stakeholders’ interests.