The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing a significant backlash following its decision to hold a pre-match ceremony featuring Indian rapper Hanumankind before the India-Pakistan match in Colombo on February 15 at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
While the match was only recently confirmed after a period of intense diplomatic uncertainty, the choice of entertainment has reignited debates over whether the tournament’s biggest fixture receives “special treatment.”
Critics argue that by focusing so heavily on Indian commercial interests and selecting an Indian artist for a game involving both nations, the ICC is neglecting the concept of neutrality. According to Athlon Sports, the fixture is vital to the ICC’s finances, with reports suggesting that the match going ahead saved the council roughly $174 million in potential revenue losses.
Who is Hanumankind and why was he chosen?
Hanumankind, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, became an international star after his song “Big Dawgs” went viral. His Southern US hip-hop style of rap combined with his Indian roots has made him one of the most recognizable Indian artists to break through to a Western audience in recent years. His popularity shot up not only in his home country but globally as well.
The ICC likely picked him to try and make cricket feel more modern and appealing to a younger generation that might not usually follow the sport. It was an attempt to mix a traditional rivalry with the kind of global pop culture that’s trending right now.
However, because the announcement came right after a period of tension where Pakistan almost boycotted the game, people are questioning if the ICC is just using the rapper’s hype to distract from the drama.
What led to the backlash behind the ICC’s decision?
The main reason for the backlash is that fans of cricket are perceiving this decision to be biased. This match is technically a neutral-site encounter, yet the entertainment lineup exclusively features an Indian performer. According to Athlon Sports, this follows a pattern seen in previous tournaments such as: Arijit Singh’s performance before the 2023 World Cup meeting in India which many believe turns global events into domestic spectacles.
The frustration is compounded by the political history surrounding the game. The match was only set after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reversed a previous boycott decision. Fans from around the world have voiced concerns that the ICC is “making a mockery” of the other 18 teams in the tournament by consistently providing the India-Pakistan game with a level of hype and commercial investment that no other fixture receives.
X reacts to the ICC performance decision
The reaction on social media has been swift and largely critical, with users on X (formerly Twitter) calling out the lack of balance. Many fans believe that the ceremony is unnecessary and a spectacle that distracts from the sport itself. One fan expressed frustration over the perceived bias, writing:
“Why special treatment for Ind vs Pak game? Specially against Pakistan?” While another user questioned the necessity of the Indian artist’s performance, specifically for this match and no other: ““What is special in this match?”
The sentiment that the event is becoming more about entertainment than cricket was echoed by a user who declared, “It’s not a match anymore. It’s a circus.” Others even went as far as to hope for a washout to end the hype, with one commenter stating, “They are making a mockery of the rest 18 teams. Really hope it rains, and the game does not even happen.”