Nasser Hussain hails Bangladesh for standing strong against ICC

Bangladesh have taken a firm position amid uncertainty surrounding their participation and player-related concerns, refusing to back down despite pressure from the International Cricket Council.

Their stance has drawn support from Pakistan, who have openly backed Bangladesh in what is being seen as a rare moment of regional solidarity against perceived double standards in global cricket governance.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain weighed in on the issue during a Sky Sports podcast, questioning whether the ICC would have shown the same firmness had a more powerful board been involved.

“If India, a month before a tournament, said their government does not want them to play in a country for a World Cup, would the ICC have been so firm and said, ‘You know the rules, bad luck, we’re knocking you out’?”

Nasser made it clear that Bangladesh’s resolve deserves recognition, particularly for backing their star player Mustafizur Rahman.

“I actually quite like Bangladesh sticking to their guns. They stood up for their player, the Fizz.”

The former England skipper also welcomed Pakistan’s decision to publicly support Bangladesh, noting that financial leverage is often the only pressure point smaller boards have against the sport’s power structure.

“I quite like Pakistan sticking up for Bangladesh. It’s the only way Pakistan can hurt the ICC or even India with the money and the finance of the Ind-Pak game.”

Nasser said the controversy centres on a basic principle: all teams should be treated equally, with the same rules applied to everyone.

“The only question all sides ask for is consistency. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India must be treated the same.”

He added that while financial dominance often dictates outcomes in international cricket, it also brings responsibility.

“India fans may say, ‘Cry more, we have the money.’ But with power comes responsibility.”