“Will ICC knock out India too if it refuses to play the World Cup in the host country?”, asks Nasser Hussain

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has raised serious concerns over the growing influence of politics in international and franchise cricket, urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to apply rules fairly — regardless of a nation’s power or financial influence.

Speaking on the issue of government travel restrictions and tournament participation, Hussain questioned whether the ICC would treat India the same way it might treat Pakistan or Bangladesh if a government refused to allow a team to tour.

“If it had been India and their government said they won’t travel a month before a World Cup — would the ICC have been as firm and said, ‘You know the rules, bad luck, you’re out’?” Hussain asked.

He emphasized that the core issue is consistency, stating that every cricketing nation must be treated equally.

“You have to treat Bangladesh the same as Pakistan, and the same as India. Power brings responsibility,” he said.

Hussain warned that repeatedly sidelining teams like Pakistan or Bangladesh could weaken their cricketing systems, ultimately damaging the sport’s global competitiveness.

“If you keep knocking Pakistan or Bangladesh, their cricket diminishes — and those great rivalries become one-sided,” he noted.

He added that cricket risks becoming overly concentrated in one region if political and financial influence continues to shape decisions.

The former England batter also expressed concern over franchise leagues, particularly with Indian ownership expanding globally.

He questioned whether Pakistani and Bangladeshi players would continue to receive fair opportunities in leagues such as The Hundred, especially with multiple teams now owned by IPL stakeholders.

“That’s a game shooting itself in the foot if politics start dictating who gets picked,” Hussain warned.

Despite the challenges, Hussain praised both nations for standing firm on principle — highlighting Bangladesh’s support for Mustafizur Rahman and Pakistan’s backing of Bangladesh.

“I’m amazed how well Pakistan continue to perform despite everything working against them,” he said.

Hussain concluded with a plea to the sport’s administrators to move beyond political interference:

“At some stage, someone has to say enough with this politics. Can we just get back to playing cricket?”