T20 World Cup 2026: 'I have never seen...' - Former Pakistan spinner blasts ICC after seeing pitch for PAK vs NED Match 1

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has just started, and the former Pakistan cricketer already started to blame the International Cricket Council (ICC), calling the ICC the Indian Cricket Council even before the first ball of the tournament. 

In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 opener, Pakistan faced the Netherlands at SSC in Colombo, where Pakistan claimed a thrilling win against the Netherlands, as they chased the 148-run target in 19.3 overs after losing seven wickets, where Faheem Ashraf rescued the team in the final overs.

I have never seen such a grassy wicket like this in my life in Sri Lanka: Saqlain Mushtaq

At toss, Pakistan chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Seeing some grass on the pitch in the tournament opener, former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq lashed out at the ICC. Calling the International Cricket Council the Indian Cricket Council, the former Pakistan off-spinner claimed that he never seen such a grassy wicket in Sri Lanka. The same kind of reaction was from Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, who said it during the toss.

Saqlain said, "ICC (Indian Cricket Council) has definitely kept a 25% advantage here for the Netherlands. I have never seen such a grassy wicket like this in my life in Sri Lanka."

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha mentioned at the toss, "First time I've seen this much grass I've seen in SL."

Watch: Saim Ayub’s No-Look shot vs Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Pakistan won ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 opening thriller against the Netherlands

Despite a strong start, the Netherlands lost their last six wickets for only 26 runs, as they were bowled out for 147 runs.

In reply, Pakistan were once dominating at 98/2 in 11 overs. But they were suddenly down to seven wickets for 114 runs in the 17th over. Requiring 29 runs in the last two overs, Faheem Ashraf accumulated 24 runs in the 19th over, including three sixes and one four, while he was dropped at long on in that same over that became the turning point of the match.