Concerns over bias have resurfaced after the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the official ticket poster for the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup without featuring any Pakistani player.
The visual, shared across the ICC’s social media platforms, highlighted captains from India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and England, but omitted Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha.
The development has intensified debate over the growing influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) within the global cricket body, with observers pointing to the conspicuous absence of Pakistan’s representation at a time when global marketing for the tournament gathers pace.
The Men’s T20 World Cup is set to take place from 7 February to 8 March 2025, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Online ticket sales for the tournament begin today, marking the start of the commercial rollout for one of cricket’s most-watched global events.
According to the tournament schedule, Pakistan will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka. The decision is in line with the event’s co-hosted format and logistical planning for participating teams.