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. Before the game, another controversy arose when former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq made his comments on the pitch provided in the opening play of the match.
According to the pitch report, there is more grass on the pitch than usual. The ball will come onto the bat better and scoring runs will become easier; However, it can be challenging in the early stages of the game with more bounce and carry due to grass cover. There is no moisture so the ball will come at a good speed. It is possible that the new ball may be doing something. Since the score is equal at 180 wickets.
Saqlain Mushtaq criticized 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.
Saqlain Mushtaq said of the grass pitch, “ICC=BCCI will never give spin-friendly wickets to Pakistan. I have never seen so much grass in Sri Lanka.” Sri Lankan wickets have always been spin-friendly, with short grass and dry grounds. However, this is the first T20I match played Sinhala Sports Club, Colombo, since 2010.
The tussle between Pakistan, India and ICC continues. The Pakistan government has decided not to play against India in the T20 World Cup despite participating in the competition.
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Many more to follow……