Shocking! Saqlain Mushtaq accuses BCCI of pitch tampering in PAK vs NED clash

The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin in just a few minutes with Pakistan taking on the Netherlands in the opening game of the competition. The game is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM IST. Ahead of the game, another controversy erupted after former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq had made his comments on the pitch provided in the opening game of the fixture.

As per the pitch report, the pitch has more grass than normal. The ball will come nicely onto the bat, and runs can be easier; however, it might be challenging in the initial phases of the game with more bounce and carry due to the grass cover. There is no moisture, so the ball will come at a good pace. The new ball may be doing some movements. As 180 is a par score on the wicket.

Saqlain Mushtaq takes a dig at ICC and BCCI

Saqlain Mushtaq slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for preparing such pitches for Pakistan, as he believes that Pakistan never gets spin-friendly wickets from the apex body.

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"ICC = BCCI will never give spin-friendly wickets to Pakistan. I’ve never seen this much grass in Sri Lanka," Saqlain Mushtaq said on the grassy pitch. Sri Lanka always been a spin friendly wickets, with less grass and being on the dry sides. However, this is the first T20I match played at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, since 2010.

Salman Ali Agha shocked after watching pitch vs Netherlands

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, after winning the toss and electing to field first, said that "Fresh pitch, rain around. We want to use moisture. First time I've seen this much grass I've seen in SL. We're pacing three pacers and allrounders. Netherlands are a good side, we want to execute out plans."

Pakistan has some serious pace attack in the side and three spinners in the first game. The fiasco between Pakistan, India, and the ICC continues. The Pakistan government has decided not play against India in the T20 World Cup despite participating in the competition. Saqlain Mushtaq has been the latest addition to the list criticising the apex body and the BCCI.

Pakistan's row continues

Previously, former Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi accused the BCCI and ICC of bullying Pakistan. Pakistan would be facing serious actions if they continue to keep their stance of boycotting the game against India. They could be heading over to sanctions and possibly removed from the T20 World Cup as well.

This boycott stance came right after ICC denied Bangladesh's request to change their venue from India due to security reasons, and they were barred from playing the competition, with Scotland replacing them. To show solardity they took the step of not playing against India. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to submit an official bid to the apex body for its selective participation in the competition.

Also Read: Mohammad Amir questions Babar Azam's place before T20 World Cup 2026