Junaid Khan alleges Jay Shah-led ICC of rigging T20 World Cup pitches for India
Published - 28 Feb 2026, 11:59 AM | Updated - 28 Feb 2026, 11:35 PM
Former Pakistan seamer Junaid Khan made an explosive allegation, claiming the Indian cricket team is being favoured by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Through a video, Junaid Khan made the shocking claims.
The former international cricketer felt that to help Team India, the ICC is providing them with flat tracks, so that the batters can score runs easily. Khan’s allegations came ahead of India’s crucial match with the West Indies.
Team India was on the brink of elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026
Team India was on very challenging situation after being defeated by South Africa in their first encounter in the Super 8 in Ahmedabad. The Proteas handed a 76-run defeat, which pushed the Men in Blue to the brink of elimination.
Suryakumar Yadav and his boys keep their hope alive for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating Zimbabwe in Chennai. On February 26, India scored a humongous total of 256 runs in exchange for 4 wickets in 20 overs, which was more than enough to outclass Zimbabwe. So far, in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, it was India’s best batting performance, and one of the best, considering other teams in the competition.
Former Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan made an explosive claim involving the ICC and Team India
If India continues the same intensity with the bat, then the West Indian bowlers will face massive trouble on March 1 in Kolkata. The nature of the pitch at the Eden Gardens for the upcoming India vs West Indies match is yet to be known. If the claims of Junaid Khan are to be believed, then the surface can be batting-friendly.
“Super 8 matches are not fun at all. These are one-sided matches. In the beginning, there was an ICC event. The wickets were made by the people of ICC. But from today's matches, it has become clear that the wickets will be made according to the requirements of the Indian team. The first match between South Africa and West Indies was also one-sided", Junaid Khan said in a video post.
"But the wickets were still better. The match between Zimbabwe and India was made for India. Because they are used to these types of wickets", he added.
Pakistani ex cricketer Junaid khan said”ICC is favouring Indian team in this World Cup, they are making wickets which is suited to Indian team batting.
— JB (@93Yorker) February 27, 2026
- Indian players are used to of playing on flat pitches and ICC is providing them with good batting wickets.
- what’s your… pic.twitter.com/FMxhdnofGU
The upcoming match for the Indian cricket team will be another must-win instance. The equation is very clear- the winner of the team will enter the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026.
The Eden Gardens has held a couple of high-scoring matches in the tournament. On February 9, 2026, Scotland secured 207 runs for 4 wickets against Italy for a winning cause. On February 16, 2026, again against Italy, it was England who registered 202 for 7 in 20 overs.
Highest totals in T20Is at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata:
| Team | Score | Overs | RR | Opposition | Result | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 207/4 | 20.0 | 10.35 | Italy | Won | 9 Feb 2026 |
| England | 202/7 | 20.0 | 10.10 | Italy | Won | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Pakistan | 201/5 | 20.0 | 10.05 | Bangladesh | Won | 16 Mar 2016 |
| India | 186/5 | 20.0 | 9.30 | West Indies | Won | 18 Feb 2022 |
| India | 184/7 | 20.0 | 9.20 | New Zealand | Won | 21 Nov 2021 |
Read More: Pakistan gamble! Babar Azam set for shocking T20I role change
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